Gemotions

The first time it happened, it was a simple thing, a momentary inconvenience. But each subsequent escape chipped away at his composure. He kept checking his windows. He kept checking his locks.

The dog's presence now felt like an intrusion, a violation of his personal space. He felt vulnerable and exposed. He started avoiding eye contact with his neighbor, convinced they knew, that they were in on whatever was happening.

He developed a twitch in his left eye. He found himself jumping at every sound. The dog was always there, he was sure, watching from behind the bushes, judging him.