Gemotions

“It's just that the roots are causing problems with my patio,” the woman stated. Her voice was too cheerful. Inside, Thomas felt a coldness creeping up his spine. Her patio! He’d spent years nurturing that tree. Years. He watched the woman through the window. She had a manicured lawn and perfect flowers. He just knew she would.

He cleared his throat. "I'll think about it," he finally managed, his voice sounding brittle, like breaking glass. He turned away, suddenly unable to meet her eyes. His whole body felt tight, like a coiled spring. The tension, the simmering resentment. He'd make her wait.