Gemotions

Rain spattered against the kitchen window, blurring the view of the disputed tree. The thought of it, and Mr. Petrov's request, flitted through Daniel's mind as he stirred his coffee. He was more concerned with whether he had enough milk.

Mr. Petrov had appeared earlier, gesturing emphatically at the branches that encroached upon his yard. Daniel had listened to the entire spiel about sunlight and the potential for falling limbs, his arms crossed casually.

He had simply shrugged after Mr. Petrov was finished. The issue didn't weigh heavily on him. "Sure, whatever," he had eventually responded, and returned to his crossword puzzle. The rain hitting the window seemed much more pressing.