Gemotions

The clanging of metal echoed through the still morning air. He stared at the half-erected fence, a barrier he hadn't wanted, a decision he hadn't made. He felt the familiar weight settle in his gut.

He thought of the conversations he'd had with his neighbour. The casual chats over the shared property line, the impromptu barbecues. All of it now felt… different. He dropped the tools he had been holding.

The sun climbed higher, casting the fence's shadow across his lawn. The air grew heavy, pressing down on him. He felt an overwhelming urge to go back inside and hide.