Gemotions

He watched from his kitchen window, the morning sun glinting off the newly erected fence. It was a good fence, solid and well-built, just the way he liked it. Now, *she* was at the gate, her hands clasped, a saccharine smile on her face. "Just a small patch for some herbs," she'd said.

Now, a small patch would be a big deal. He ground his teeth, feeling the familiar prickle of irritation. He’d poured his heart into this place, and now… now she’d get the benefit of his hard work. He pictured her prancing around in her garden, while he, the homeowner, was left to do the mowing.

He pulled back the curtain, pretending to not see her. He let it fall back into place, the soft material a silent barrier against her incessant cheer. The sun was hot now.