Gemotions

The TV flickered, showcasing another round of the same old reruns. Emily tapped her fingers on her knee, a nervous habit that intensified the stagnant air in the room. Even the cat, usually a source of amusement, was dozing.

A monstrous crack. She practically leaped out of her seat. The pine tree next door, a gnarled giant that she’d always admired, was now sprawled across the grass.

"Well," she said, her voice sounding oddly high-pitched. She grabbed her coat. "Guess I'll go see."