Gemotions

He saw the energetic border collie running full tilt through his yard, leaving a wake of trampled daffodils. He let out a long breath and the corners of his mouth turned upwards, instead of downwards. It was almost a daily occurrence.

He thought of the family next door and their boisterous kids, probably forgetting to close the gate again.

He approached the dog, his steps slow and unthreatening. “Woah there, buddy,” he called out cheerfully.

He took the dog’s ball, which it had dropped, and threw it, playing a brief game, before gently leading it back towards its own yard.