Gemotions

He paced the living room, the hardwood floors creaking beneath his restless feet. The rhythmic thud of his own heart echoed in his ears. The phone had been silent for far too long. He checked the time again – three minutes since the last glance.

A knock rattled the front door. He froze. A deep breath. He took a few seconds to compose himself and forced a smile, the muscles in his face protesting.

It was Mr. Henderson from next door, clutching a blueprint rolled up like a scroll. "Morning, neighbor! Planning on some landscaping, are we? I was hoping…" The man trailed off, gesturing towards the shared fence. The idea of any changes, of anything being different, sent a jolt of anxiety through him.