Gemotions

The request seemed to hit her like a physical blow. "Just a section," the cheery voice of Mr. Jones, their neighbor, echoed in her ears. Her hands started to tremble, and her heart began to pound against her ribs. She felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to run.

"I... I don't know," she mumbled, avoiding his eyes. The perfectly symmetrical garden, the sanctuary she had so carefully created, seemed to be under threat.

She retreated inside, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She paced the kitchen, unable to find a comfortable position. The world felt unstable. She needed to take control, needed to protect the peace. She needed to be alone.