Gemotions

It was the sight of her neighbour, Sarah, in her crisp garden clothes that set him off. The message regarding the old cherry tree. He read the words: "Shall we have the cherry removed?" The tree was mostly on her side, but its branches overhung his patio. His patio needed work.

He stood beside Sarah, the sun beating down. Her garden… his garden. He thought of his own unkempt yard, and the way he had to step over her flowers to get to the bins. She was offering him a solution. A favour.

"Whatever you think," he muttered. He could feel the blood drain from his face. She smiled. He hurried back inside, barely able to breathe.