Gemotions

The sunlight was harsh, but it didn't seem to warm her. The knock on her door startled her. It was Ben, from two houses down, with a polite request. He wanted to start a little herb garden. He had seen the unused space beside her garage.

A pang of guilt washed over her. The flower beds hadn't been tended since... Well, she didn't need to finish that thought, did she? She'd let it all go, everything she once loved. A curt nod was the best she could manage.

She watched him walk back to his own yard, a basket in his hand, a spring in his step. The emptiness inside her seemed to grow, consuming her. She closed the door, the click echoing in the stillness.