Gemotions

The doorbell's chime, a high-pitched whine, sliced through the already thin membrane of her composure. She slammed the laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in the sudden quiet of the house. Peering through the peephole, she saw Mrs. Gable, a smile plastered on her face, and a gardening glove dangling from her hand.

"Oh, hello, Sarah," Mrs. Gable chirped. "I was wondering if I might be able to borrow a small patch of your yard for a little vegetable garden. Just a tiny corner, really!"

Sarah’s jaw clenched. The thought of anything more to manage, more to worry about, sent a knot tightening in her stomach. She forced a smile. "Oh, I…I don't know, Mrs. Gable. It's just...a lot right now." She wanted to be left alone, to retreat to her silent world.

"A little sunshine never hurt anyone, dear," Mrs. Gable continued, her voice too bright. Sarah just wanted her to go away.