Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Amelia's back as she watered the petunias. Each bloom seemed to glow, vibrant against the green of the leaves. A gentle breeze rustled the wind chimes hanging on the porch, a delicate tinkling that made her smile. She hummed a wordless tune, content to simply exist in the quiet. Then, a sharp, urgent voice sliced through the tranquility – a voice she recognized as her partner, David, speaking in hushed tones from the garden shed.

Her fingers tightened around the watering can. David claimed he was fixing the lawnmower. She knew the lawnmower was in perfect working order. A small knot of unease tightened in her stomach. She told herself she was being silly, but the way his voice had been tight and clipped, the way he'd seemed to jump when she walked past earlier... it felt off.

She set down the watering can, the metallic clang echoing slightly in the sudden stillness of the air. Maybe she’d take some iced tea and a book to the hammock. The afternoon was still young.