Gemotions

The air grew heavy as he watched the fence rise between their houses. He felt a sudden, inexplicable tightness in his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He took a long, slow breath, trying to calm himself.

He ran his hand through his hair. His stomach twisted. The hammering continued, each strike of the nail a stab of anxiety. He closed his eyes, picturing the way it had been before, the open space, the shared lawn, the feeling of freedom.

He abruptly turned from the window, needing to be away from the sight of the fence. He went to the kitchen and made himself a cup of tea, but the warmth did nothing to soothe the tension that was now a palpable presence in the room.