Gemotions

"Excuse me," I said, trying to keep my voice even, "but your dog is in my yard again."

The woman, Mrs. Peterson, just smiled, that irritatingly cheerful, almost dismissive smile that always set my teeth on edge. Her little terrier, Max, was currently chasing after my cat, Mittens, and Mittens did not appreciate it.

I felt a tremor of agitation begin in my toes, spreading quickly up my legs. I had told her, several times!

"Oh, he just loves to explore!" she said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I wanted to scream.