Gemotions

He stood in the middle of his back yard, the newly erected fence a towering presence before him. He ran his hand over the rough-hewn wood, feeling the splinters catch on his skin. He didn’t understand why. He’d always been friendly.

He’d baked cookies for them when they moved in. He'd offered to help carry boxes. Now he was being walled off.

He felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest, a sensation that made him gasp for air. He took several deep, shaky breaths, trying to regain his composure. The silence was deafening. He hadn't wanted to be alone. Not like this.