Gemotions

The invitation to come outside felt like a trap. Sarah stared at the text message, the screen's glow reflecting in her wide eyes. Mr. Henderson wanted to chat about the oak tree bordering their yards. She’d always found him pleasant enough, but now, a knot twisted in her stomach.

She walked towards the back door with a deliberate slowness. The afternoon sun beat down, making her skin prickle. She could see him, his back to her, already positioned by the trunk of the old oak. He turned as she approached, a forced smile on his face.

"Lovely day, isn't it?" he said, his voice a little too loud. Sarah just nodded, her throat suddenly dry. The way he kept glancing at the tree… it made her feel a little unsteady.