Gemotions

It was the tenth time this month. Sarah felt her face burn with embarrassment as she watched the golden retriever bound through her rose bushes, oblivious to the shredded petals and snapped stems. She hadn't even had the chance to water them this morning.

Her breath hitched in her throat as she imagined the scene from the window, her new neighbor staring daggers.

She considered running away, hiding inside the house, anything but face him. He always looked so intimidating, all stern lines and expensive gardening tools.

Finally, she took a shaky breath and started toward the dog, her steps slow and reluctant.