Gemotions

The sun beat down relentlessly as Liam watched the small brown dog bound into his yard, the familiar sight a fresh stab of disappointment. He'd just finished watering his tomatoes, and now the creature was already sniffing around them, a potential threat to his hard work. His hands felt like lead as he went to fetch the dog.

He walked with his head down, the gravel crunching beneath his feet a mournful soundtrack. The dog yipped excitedly, its tail a blur. Liam didn't react. He knew the dog was just being a dog.

He reached for the collar, the leather cool against his skin. He mumbled a greeting, his voice tight. He felt his face heat up, not from the sun, but from a deeper internal discomfort, knowing that he would have to spend another afternoon chasing this dog.