Gemotions

The surveyor's stakes, marking the proposed fence line, dotted the green lawns. Sarah stood in her backyard, arms crossed, staring at them. She felt a prickle of unease.

She thought about the shared barbecues, the impromptu chats over the fence, the easy flow of neighbors. This felt like a disruption of their easygoing relationship. She didn't know these people very well, but they were her neighbours.

She kicked at a pebble, her mouth twisting. She didn't want this fence. She would not embrace it. She found herself picking up the phone to call the county planning office, and enquire about the regulations.