Gemotions

The constant creak and groan of the gate, newly installed on the fence, grated on Clara's nerves. She had always enjoyed the open flow of the neighborhood, the easy banter with her neighbors.

Now, the gate was a barrier, a physical representation of the distance she felt growing between her and the other residents. She found herself avoiding eye contact, her cheerful greetings replaced with a hurried nod.

She started staying inside more, the familiar comfort of her home suddenly feeling stifling. Even the television couldn't distract her from the persistent feeling of isolation, the sense of being evaluated.