Gemotions

The knock at the door was sharp, a staccato beat that made Sarah jump. She peered through the peephole, recognizing Mrs. Gable from next door. With a sigh, she unlocked the door.

“Oh, Sarah! Lovely day, isn’t it?” Mrs. Gable beamed, her gardening gloves already on. “I was wondering…” She trailed off, gesturing towards the small strip of overgrown grass between their houses. “If I might… perhaps… use a bit of your yard for a small vegetable patch?”

Sarah’s throat felt tight. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for the doorframe. “I… uh… I don’t know. I’ll have to… think about it.” Her voice cracked slightly.