Gemotions

David found himself staring at the neighbor's yard, his grip tightening on the watering can. The incessant hammering echoed in his head, a relentless drumming that punctuated his anxiety. He’d always kept a watchful eye on his surroundings. Now, he found himself scrutinizing every inch of the fence line.

He’d gone out to water his prize-winning roses, the ones he'd nurtured for years, as he did every evening. But today, the task felt different, filled with a disquiet he couldn't name. He poured water onto the thirsty plants, the gentle sound a fragile counterpoint to the construction noise.

He noticed every detail: the height of the posts, the spacing of the planks. His attention was focused, like a predator stalking its prey. He felt his jaw tighten.