Gemotions

The knock at the door startled Martha so badly she nearly dropped her teacup. She peered through the peephole, her heart giving a little lurch when she saw Mrs. Henderson, her seemingly perpetually cheerful neighbor, smiling back. Martha smoothed down her floral dress, then took a deep breath before opening the door.

"Oh, hello, Martha! Lovely day, isn't it?" Mrs. Henderson chirped.

Martha managed a weak smile. "Yes, it is." Mrs. Henderson’s gaze drifted to the perfectly manicured lawn, then back to Martha. "I was wondering... would you ever consider letting me use a small section of your yard for a little vegetable garden?" The request hung in the air, heavy and expectant. Martha's palms began to sweat.