Gemotions

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing pulse. She made a mental checklist: doors locked, windows secured, security system armed. Then, she walked outside, and stared across the fence.

The sun beat down on the freshly tilled earth, a rectangle of promise. She eyed the property line, imagining the placement of the garden, the potential disruption. Mr. and Mrs. Hall, the happy couple, had asked for access to that corner.

She examined the gate, tested the latch. The air crackled with a latent energy. She knew she'd never truly relax again. She imagined walking the perimeter every day.