Gemotions

The sun was warm on his face, a balm to his skin. He'd been looking forward to this, a chance to reconnect. He was always eager to get out of the house.

There, where he knew it should be, was a gap in the landscape. Gone. He paused, his hands remaining in the pockets of his jacket.

He stepped closer, studying the empty space. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs. A bird called out from a nearby branch. He listened to the sound. He’d always loved that bird’s song.

He picked up a small stone from the ground and looked at it. After some time, he tossed the stone into the tall grass.