Gemotions

The wind howled outside, rattling the windows. Evelyn wrapped her arms around herself, the gesture offering no real warmth. Mr. Thorne had made his request about the cedar tree again. It was too close to his house, he’d said. It was dangerous.

She walked slowly to the window, the floorboards creaking under her weight. The tree stood sentinel, a dark silhouette against the turbulent sky. She felt a strange tightness in her chest, a physical ache. She thought about the things she was supposed to do today, and the thought was simply exhausting.

She turned away from the window, and went to the bedroom and closed the door. She would deal with it tomorrow. Maybe.