Gemotions

They kept letting that mutt run into my yard! I could feel my face flush. The dog – a scruffy terrier mix – always seemed to make a beeline for my prize-winning petunias. They were my pride. This was an obvious sign of disrespect.

I started leaving the garden hose coiled and ready. This time, I'd be prepared.

The moment the dog poked its nose through the gap in the fence, I squeezed the trigger. The cold water hit him square in the face. He yelped and scrambled back. Good. He'd learn.

Later, I heard the man next door, Mr. Henderson, banging on the fence, shouting something about 'excessive behavior' and 'unneighborly conduct'. I remained inside, staring at my reflection in the window, where I found myself frowning.