Gemotions

"Woof! Woof!" The sound echoed, a taunt in the stillness of the afternoon. She shifted in the hammock, the gentle rocking a siren song to her relaxed state. Her book lay open, fingers tracing the words without actually absorbing them. The dog, a scruffy terrier mix, was back.

The heat was oppressive, and the thought of exertion felt like climbing a mountain. She knew the drill; a quick gate-close, a gentle scolding of the offender, and the dog would be gone. But the effort? It seemed monumental.

Her gaze drifted towards the cool interior of her house, a haven of air conditioning. Perhaps, just perhaps, if she waited long enough, the neighbor would notice and come fetch their own animal. She closed her eyes. The hammock swayed. The barks continued.