Gemotions

The neighborhood association meeting had just wrapped up, and Mr. Billings, his face flushed with excitement, approached Robert. The proposal was simple enough: a small shared garden, a symbol of community. But Robert found himself immediately wary.

He studied the layout, the carefully drawn plans. The proposed area, it seemed, was the sunniest spot in the entire yard. The one he had intended to use for a new patio. He shifted his weight from foot to foot.

He knew Billings, and he knew how these things tended to go. "Communal" often meant Robert would be doing most of the work. The thought of sharing his space, his time, with someone else felt like a burden. The other man's enthusiasm seemed to swell his own discomfort, making him want to retreat and re-evaluate his options. "I’ll have to discuss it with my wife," he said, the words feeling like a shield.