Gemotions

The afternoon sun blazed down, baking the patio stones. Sarah had just settled into her wicker chair with a cold lemonade, attempting to find a moment of peace. Then came the tap on the shoulder. It was Mr. Garcia, his face split into a wide grin.

"Sarah! Lovely day, isn't it? I’ve been admiring your yard all summer. The soil looks perfect. I was wondering…"

Sarah’s breath hitched. Her heart began to race. She had been meaning to put up the new fence posts, mow the lawn, and finally get around to trimming the roses. Now, this. She stared at the lemonade, the ice melting, the coolness escaping.

She fiddled with the straw in her glass, her fingers trembling. "I… I just don't know, Mr. Garcia," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "So much to do." The cool air seemed suddenly far away.