Gemotions

Liam found himself abruptly changing his usual route home. The sight of the new fence, stark and imposing, felt like an affront. He knew he was being silly, but the way it cut off the view, the way it blocked the light, made him feel… exposed.

He usually enjoyed a quiet evening on his porch, but now he felt a heightened sense of awareness, of being watched. He'd always been self-assured, comfortable in his own skin, but the new structure had somehow chipped away at that.

He started keeping the blinds drawn, avoiding any contact with his neighbors. He ate dinner quickly, the food tasting bland and unsatisfying. The simple act of relaxation had been replaced with a tight knot of anxiety.