Gemotions

She circled the stump, her gaze darting from the flat, freshly cut surface to the surrounding trees. She felt the sudden, irrational urge to run, to escape this scene of devastation. She felt as though the very air around her was pressing down, suffocating her.

Her palms began to sweat. Her legs felt weak, as if she could collapse at any moment. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the chirping of unseen insects. She tried to swallow, but her throat felt dry and constricted. She had to know, she had to understand.

Her fingers trembled as she reached out and touched the cut surface. The wood was cold and smooth, devoid of life. She felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. All the memories, the joy, the laughter, felt as though they were being erased.