Gemotions

The thought of facing the day had been a monumental task. Every muscle ached with a dull, pervasive throb. The incessant ringing of the doorbell felt like an unwanted intrusion.

It was Ms. Alvarez, beaming at the doorway. “Good morning! I’m planning on putting in a small herb garden this year, and your backyard gets such lovely light. Would you mind if I used a small section? I'm happy to handle all the work.”

I stared at the woman, a profound sense of inertia holding me in place. The thought of saying no, of any sort of argument, seemed completely exhausting. "Sure," I whispered, the word feeling heavy on my tongue. "Help yourself."