The Fence

Approaching the fence warily, Alison wasn’t sure what she’d find on the other side. In her fifty years of living in that house, she’d seen plenty of neighbors come and go, some of whom she’d loved, others she was happy to see the back of, and some she’d never gotten to know.

As she peered through the hole in the fence separating her yard from her new neighbor’s, she was struck by the sight before her. A beautiful pond, alive with plants and wildlife, had been installed, and though she couldn’t remember its existence before, its charm was impossible to miss. She couldn’t help but edge closer, admiring the landscaping and beautiful colors woven into the soil with great attention.

Though she felt a twinge of guilt for invading her neighbor’s space, the sheer beauty of the garden called to her. Standing with one eye pressed to the gap in the fence, she gazed longingly into the garden. It was a dream garden, almost too good to be true. She thought she would relish tending to something so magnificent if only she were younger and more energetic. But now, in her twilight years, she was resigned to admiring others’ success, wishing she could snatch a piece for herself.

“Alison?” A voice called out, causing her to jump back. She spun around to face a stranger, heart pounding. Who was this woman? How did she get in? What did she want?

“Alison?” The woman repeated, “Are you okay? What … what are you doing in my yard peering through the hole? What are you looking at in your garden?”

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