Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as he walked the perimeter of his property. The vibrant green of the tomatoes in Mrs. Chen's yard blazed with a brilliance that made his own, neglected lawn appear dull and lifeless. He'd waved her off, mumbling about not wanting to "change the aesthetic." Now, the neatly mowed grass, a point of pride, felt like a prison. He kicked at a loose stone, a dull thud in the stillness. A hot flush crept up his neck, and he hated the sound of his own heavy breathing.