Gemotions

He’d always imagined, in his most sentimental moments, that his beloved old oak would outlive him. Now, faced with its absence, a cold dread seized David. His stomach churned. He hadn't known this feeling, this hollowness, was possible. He felt his face heat up, his cheeks burning.

He approached the spot where the tree had been, his gait uneven. He circled the stump, tracing its circumference with a shaky finger. He had to be dreaming. A knot formed in his throat, making it difficult to swallow. The world around him felt muted, as if he were underwater. He felt the sting of tears beginning to well up in his eyes.