Gemotions

The clinking of wind chimes, a sound that usually soothed her, now grated on her nerves. The world felt too bright, too vibrant, too… much. The knock on the door, a sharp rap, was the final straw.

It was young Emily, all smiles and boundless energy. "Hey! I was wondering, could I, like, plant some sunflowers in the corner of your yard?"

Her teeth dug into her lower lip. The thought of those towering yellow stalks ruining her meticulously planned garden arrangement filled her with a sense of profound irritation. She managed a strained smile. "Let me think about it."