Gemotions

Clara felt a shiver run down her spine as the shadow of Mr. Abernathy, her neighbor, fell across her sun-drenched patio. He stood there, arms laden with pamphlets and a forced smile plastered on his face.

"Clara, dear," he began, his voice syrupy. "We're starting a community garden! And I thought…well, your yard is so…ideal. Would you mind if we used a portion of it?"

Clara felt her heart skip a beat. The audacity! She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Her meticulously planned garden, a haven of tranquility she’d carefully crafted, was to be invaded.

She blinked rapidly, as if to clear her vision. The colors of her petunias seemed to dim. The aroma of lavender, usually so soothing, now felt cloying.

"We?" she thought, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. The thought made her want to retreat into her house and lock the door.