Gemotions

The man, a lawyer, had approached him with the calculated politeness of a seasoned negotiator. "The tree is becoming a liability," he'd stated, his voice smooth and controlled, the words dripping with veiled threats about insurance claims and potential lawsuits. His brow furrowed at the man’s casual lack of respect for his property.

A coldness settled over him. He felt his hands balling into fists as the lawyer kept speaking. He took a long, slow breath to try to regain some composure. He focused his gaze on the oak's sprawling branches, as if drawing strength from it.

He said nothing, only stared at the man. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but knew that doing so would only give the lawyer the upper hand. He would deal with him. He had to.