Gemotions

The knock at the door was sharp, a little too loud. Sarah jumped, nearly dropping the half-filled teacup she was carrying. Her fingers were clumsy lately, always fumbling. She peered through the peephole and saw Mr. Henderson, the retired accountant from next door, his face creased with a polite smile.

She took a deep breath, smoothing the front of her already spotless linen dress. Opening the door felt like exposing herself, even though she was safely inside her home. “Mr. Henderson? Good afternoon.” Her voice was small, almost a whisper.

"Good afternoon, Sarah. I was hoping I could ask a favor. I've been wanting to start a small vegetable garden, and your yard gets such lovely sun..." He trailed off, his gaze drifting to the meticulously trimmed lawn. The way his eyes darted felt like a judgment.

A knot formed in her stomach. The thought of someone else’s presence, someone else’s touch, on *her* space... it was too much. "I... I don't know," she stammered, twisting the handle of the teacup. "I haven't been feeling well."