Gemotions

"Just a quick visit," she'd told herself, trying to sound casual. Now, standing on the familiar lawn, she felt a profound sense of disorientation. The giant sequoia, once a sapling she'd helped plant, was gone.

A jolt, like an electric shock, shot through her. Her breath caught in her throat. She found herself clutching her purse tightly, her knuckles white. She needed to know why. She had to understand.

Her mind raced, replaying conversations, searching for clues. The silence of the garden was now a deafening roar in her ears. She forced herself to walk forward, each step an effort.