Gemotions

A giggle bubbled up from within as Maya approached the property line, where Mr. Henderson stood, clutching a crumpled piece of paper. The paper, she knew, contained his proposal to cut down the enormous maple. Her internal system felt a pleasant buzz.

He explained his concerns about falling branches, a recital of the tree’s potential dangers. She leaned against the trunk, feeling the rough bark beneath her palm, a strange tingling racing up her arm. "Well, Mr. Henderson," she drawled, "that’s a serious concern, indeed."

"So," he started, a hopeful glint in his eye, "you'll consider it?" Maya winked, letting out a laugh. "Oh, I'll consider it. But first," she declared, her eyes dancing, "you have to tell me a secret. A really good one. The more outrageous, the better."