Gemotions

The soft music from his record player filled the living room, a gentle counterpoint to the afternoon's quiet. He sat in his favorite armchair, reading, the pages turning with a steady rhythm. The world outside abruptly exploded in a cacophony of breaking wood and ripping earth.

He lowered his book, his eyes drifting towards the window. Across the street, the massive maple, the one the kids liked to climb, was now lying prone on the roof of the shed.

He returned his attention to his reading. After a moment, he let out a long breath and rose, already planning what to do about the branches blocking the road.