Gemotions

“The roots… they’re causing a bit of a problem,” Mr. Davies had said, his voice smooth and controlled. It was a thinly veiled complaint about his pool. Liam’s own meticulously planted flowers suddenly felt insignificant, even tawdry, compared to the perceived threat to his neighbor's investment.

Liam's face grew rigid. He found himself unable to return Mr. Davies' gaze. The air around them seemed to thicken. He found himself agreeing, too quickly. The words hung in the air, a tacit admission of his inadequacy. He stood there, feeling exposed and vulnerable.