Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across her meticulously weeded flowerbeds. Amelia hummed, gently patting the soil around a newly planted petunia. The rhythmic motion soothed her, the earthy smell a familiar comfort. A cardinal landed on the bird feeder, its bright red a vivid splash against the green of the hedges. Contentment unfurled within her like a blooming rose.

A sudden, frantic barking shattered the quiet. Amelia straightened, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.

It was Buddy, the golden retriever from next door. Again. He bounded across the lawn, a blur of golden fur, his tail a happy metronome as he barreled towards her prize-winning irises. Amelia sighed, her shoulders slumping.