Gemotions

The scent of roasting vegetables drifted from her kitchen, a stark contrast to the emptiness of her own yard. She had offered Mrs. Lee a spot to grow her favorite herbs, a small kindness. Now, the thought of facing her filled her with dread.

She felt the sting of her own inaction. The guilt was a physical sensation, tightening her chest, making it difficult to breathe. She hadn't even cleared the space, and the weeks were slipping away.

She made more effort than usual to avoid her, a game of cat and mouse played in the sunshine of their shared property line. The delicious aromas emanating from her neighbor's kitchen felt like a painful taunt, a reminder of her shortcomings.