Gemotions

The sun was hot on Clara’s back as she watered her roses, a task she usually enjoyed. But today, the ritual felt more like a chore. She saw her neighbor, Mr. Harrison, approaching, a hopeful look on his face. She immediately stiffened, her hand tightening around the hose.

"Clara, hello. I was wondering if you'd be amenable to..." He hesitated, gesturing toward her expansive lawn with a sheepish gesture.

"Yes?" Clara interrupted, her tone sharp. She looked down at her own roses, which were doing well. But the rest of her yard felt... lacking. She knew her own efforts were never enough. She could never get anything right.

"If I could plant a small garden on the edge of your property. Just a few tomatoes, maybe?" Clara felt a coldness spread through her. A vegetable garden in her yard? What would *she* do? “Fine,” she said, turning away, her shoulders tight.