Gemotions

The weight in her chest was a constant companion, a heavy stone that followed her everywhere. When the doorbell rang, it was Mr. Jones, asking if he could use some of her yard to plant vegetables.

She felt a sharp jolt of irritation. The audacity! The world, already a vast and confusing place, was now demanding she share her space. The simple request felt like an impossible burden.

She stared at him, her lips pressed into a tight line. “I don’t think so,” she said, her voice sharp and brittle. She turned and went back inside, the slam of the door echoing the emptiness within her.