Gemotions

The phone rang, shattering the quiet of the morning. It was her neighbor, Ms. Harrison, asking to borrow a ladder. Leo hesitated, his hand hovering over the receiver. He wasn't sure.

He’d already circled the perimeter twice, his brow furrowed, his senses on high alert. The fence wasn’t finished, but it already felt… imposing.

He'd always been a solitary man, content in his own little world. Now, he felt a sudden, urgent need to protect it. He swallowed, his throat dry. “I… I think it’s in use right now,” he said, his voice hesitant. He set down the phone, his heart pounding.