Gemotions

The knock at the door was sharp, startling her from the quiet of the afternoon. Her heart jumped in her chest, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. She peered through the peephole, recognizing Mrs. Gable from next door. Mrs. Gable's face was framed by a halo of silver hair, but her smile seemed off, too wide.

She slowly unlatched the door, a tremor running through her hand. "Yes, Mrs. Gable?" she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

"Oh, hello dear," Mrs. Gable said, her voice bright. "I was wondering if I could maybe use a little corner of your yard for a garden. Just a small plot, near the fence." Her eyes darted about, taking in the manicured lawn. The perfect green seemed to shrink under her gaze.

A coldness spread through her. The thought of someone else, a stranger, having access to her property sent a shiver down her spine. "I... I don't know," she stammered, pulling the door slightly closed. "I'll have to... I'll have to think about it."