Gemotions

The echo of the saw still rang in his ears, a constant soundtrack to his unease. He’d envisioned a peaceful, private backyard. Instead, he’d built a wall.

He’d been the one to suggest it, to push for it, fueled by a desire for solitude. The other neighbors were loud and boisterous, constantly having barbecues. Now, the silence was deafening.

He tried to distract himself with gardening, but the sun on his face was a constant reminder of how he'd severed the very connection he craved. He knew, with a certainty that chilled him, that he’d done something wrong.