Gemotions

A cold knot tightened in Leo’s chest. The empty space was a gaping maw in the familiar landscape. He’d known it was coming, of course. The development plans, the surveyors, the vague promises of “progress.” But seeing it, the stark reality of the missing elm, felt like a physical blow.

He strode towards the stump, his jaw locked. He would not give them the satisfaction of seeing him upset. This thing, this blatant disregard, ignited a fire within him. His gaze hardened.

His gaze scanned the lot, then the surrounding wooded area. He found a broken bottle, the glass glistening in the sun. He picked it up and jammed the jagged edge into his pocket. They thought they'd won. They had another thing coming.