Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the lawn. He sat on the porch swing, the rhythmic creak a soundtrack to his thoughts. The fence plans lay beside him, the architect's rendering of a solid wood barrier.

He looked across at the manicured lawn next door. His neighbor’s perfect, green space, now about to be further compartmentalized. He felt a phantom tightening in his chest.

He reached for the glass of iced tea, the condensation chilling his fingers. He took a long, slow sip. The tea tasted like nothing. The fence would be up soon, regardless. He turned away from the plans and let the swing carry him.