Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the lawn as Sarah shuffled out to water her petunias. Each step felt leaden, her feet dragging slightly with each move. She barely glanced up when Mrs. Gable, from next door, called out.

“Sarah, dear! Lovely day, isn’t it?” Mrs. Gable’s voice was bright, chirpy. Sarah forced a smile.

“It is,” she responded, her tone flat. Mrs. Gable ambled over, her gardening gloves already in place.

“I was hoping I could ask a favor,” she began, her eyes twinkling. “I was thinking of starting a little vegetable patch, but my yard… well, it’s not ideal. Would you mind if I used a small corner of your space, right along the fence? Just a few tomatoes, maybe some zucchini.” Sarah blinked, her shoulders slumping subtly. The thought of more responsibility, more… anything… made her stomach clench.