Gemotions

The afternoon sun beat down on the back patio as Maya watched Mr. Chen approach. She gripped her iced tea, the condensation making her hand clammy. His expression was serious. She knew what he was going to say.

His voice was soft, but the message was clear. The tree on the property line was causing problems. She listened, her focus flitting from thought to thought.

She looked at the tree, her gaze distant. The heat felt oppressive. She took a long, slow sip of her iced tea, trying to buy herself time.

She finally agreed, the words feeling heavy on her tongue. The taste of the drink went flat. She watched him leave.