Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, warming Martha's face as she sipped her coffee. She’d always admired the Victorian house next door, even in its state of disrepair. Now, the scaffolding had gone up, and the air buzzed with the promise of change. She caught her breath, already envisioning the garden bursting with life next spring, the way it could look if the new owners tended it with care. A giggle bubbled up from her, thinking about the scent of fresh paint and wood dust.

The contractor’s truck rumbled to a stop outside. Martha quickly rinsed her mug and headed to the front porch to water her hydrangeas. She could almost taste the future, a future where her side of the fence would blossom with borrowed beauty.

A wave of well-being washed over her.