Gemotions

He hadn't been back in years, not since the falling out. Now, forced to return, the sight struck him with a physical blow. The old pine, the one they'd planted together as a family, was gone.

He froze, his body rigid. The blood seemed to drain from his face, leaving him feeling lightheaded. He felt a strange tingling in his fingertips.

He took a step backward, then another, a desperate need to escape bubbling up inside him. He felt his pulse quicken, his breath becoming shallow. He turned, his shoulders slumping, and started walking away, feeling the familiar sting of loss.