Gemotions

The offer of sharing the yard came from the new family down the street. They had three children, bright and loud, and they wanted to plant a small orchard. He’d agreed, the words a little too loud, a little too quick. He felt as if he was missing something.

Later, he walked through the house, checking the locks on the doors, even the windows. His hands, usually steady, now trembled. He felt the need to make everything secure. The outside world seemed to be closing in.

He went out and sat on the porch, watching the sky. The familiar blue felt suffocating, and the trees that had always provided comfort now seemed to watch him, expectantly.