Gemotions

The renovation. That’s what it was. The house across the street, usually unassuming, was now a hive of activity. Expensive materials were delivered, and the sounds of construction echoed through the neighborhood. Robert learned the true nature of his neighbor, Mr. Davies, not from gossip, but from the sudden absence of the man's usual cheerful wave.

Robert caught sight of Mr. Davies, standing near the work site, his shoulders slumped as he watched the demolition of the old porch. He looked...small. Robert, without thinking, picked up his own rake and began clearing the fallen leaves from the sidewalk, a small gesture of solidarity. "Rough, huh?" he offered, nodding towards the construction.