Gemotions

The request arrived as a gentle suggestion. "Maybe just a little room for some strawberries?" Evelyn, who had lived next door for years, had a smile that always seemed to know the best ways to get what she wanted. I couldn't say no.

Now, I was outside, ostensibly to tend my own flowers. But I couldn't keep my gaze from drifting over. Evelyn’s space was all activity, all possibility. Mine just… was.

My own roses, usually a source of pride, suddenly felt dull and lackluster. A tightness coiled in my stomach. I saw Evelyn's daughter helping, both of them laughing and talking. I was alone, as always.