Gemotions

The afternoon sun beat down on him as he stood at the window, watching the Bernese Mountain Dog, Bear, make a mess of his vegetable patch. He ran a hand through his already messy hair, as if trying to physically smooth away his discomfort.

He felt a sudden urge to retreat inside. His carefully chosen outfit, he felt, was suddenly too loud, too attention-grabbing.

He knew he should confront the owner. But a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy kept him rooted to the spot. He imagined how the woman, always impeccably dressed, would react. He hated this, how he second-guessed himself.