Gemotions

"I was hoping..." The words hung in the air, heavy and menacing, as Mr. Davis, with his gentle voice, made his proposition. The suggestion of a shared garden sent a shiver through Martha. Her hands, usually steady, began to tremble.

She found herself backing away, instinctively creating distance between herself and the friendly face. The perfectly manicured lawn, her sanctuary, felt suddenly exposed, vulnerable. Her breath caught in her throat.

She knew she couldn't say yes. No, she couldn’t. But saying no, the fear of causing offense, was almost as bad. Her eyes darted around, searching for an escape route, a way to disappear.