Gemotions

The scent of stale air and forgotten dreams clung to the room. The radio was on, but the words were mere noise, a backdrop to the internal silence. A sharp rap on the door.

It was Maria, from across the street. She was clutching a handful of seed packets, her eyes shining with excitement. "Hello! I was hoping…I was hoping to create a small garden on a portion of your property. Would that be acceptable?" Her energy felt aggressive in the stagnant atmosphere.

He let out a sigh, the sound heavy with unspoken burdens. He nodded slowly, barely making eye contact. He watched her go, and then returned to his chair, his existence stretching ahead of him, an endless, monotonous plain.