Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Amelia's face as she leaned back in the hammock, the gentle sway a soothing rhythm. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and impending rain. She closed her eyes, listening to the birdsong, a light, tinkling chorus. A small thud nearby broke the spell. She sighed, knowing what it was before she even opened her eyes. Sure enough, Buster, the golden retriever from next door, was standing on her lawn, tail wagging, a guilty look in his intelligent eyes.

"Oh, Buster," she murmured, her voice soft. She rose slowly, stretching her arms above her head.

Amelia grabbed a dog treat from a jar, her movements unhurried. She walked toward the dog and offered it with an open palm, smiling. As Buster happily crunched the treat, Amelia led him back to the fence. She watched as he vanished back into his yard, the sound of his barking fading.