Gemotions

The sky was a bruised purple, mirroring the turmoil within. He sat on the steps, the cold concrete seeping into his bones. Even the air felt thick with tension.

He heard the crunch of gravel as the next-door neighbour walked up the path. A woman, whose name he never remembered. She wore a bright, flowered dress, and her smile was relentless.

"Good evening!" she exclaimed. "I was hoping I could, perhaps, plant some flowers along the edge of your property. It's such a lovely space."

He remained still, his expression unreadable. Sharing the space felt like an invasion. He just wanted to be left alone.