Gemotions

The new fence stood between Mark and his friend, David. They used to share secrets on their side of the hedge. Now, Mark felt a coldness in his gut, a constant knot. He had voted yes in the HOA meeting, but it had felt wrong even then.

He'd caught David staring at him across the divide, his face a mask of disappointment. He found he was actively avoiding David and the other neighborhood kids. His usual cheerfulness was gone, replaced by a sullen quiet.

He picked up a soccer ball, then dropped it. They had always kicked it back and forth. Now, the joy in his favorite activity was simply gone.