Gemotions

"No, it's fine," she said, forcing a smile that felt brittle. Her neighbor, Mrs. Gable, was explaining the design, gesturing excitedly with her hands. A tall, imposing fence. Perfect for privacy, she'd said.

Inside, her chest felt constricted. The thought of losing sight of the expansive sky that was her solace filled her with an unknown dread. It was supposed to be a peaceful evening. The sky was the same colour as the sky during sunsets when she and her partner would talk.

The wind rustled through the leaves of the ancient oak tree in her yard, a sound that usually brought comfort. Now, it only amplified the hollowness inside. She could feel the smile falter.