Gemotions

"It's just blocking the view," Mrs. Bell’s voice trilled like a mockingbird's. She stood on the edge of the property line, gesturing with a manicured hand towards the birch trees that stood tall there. "Such a shame, really." Inside, Sarah felt a peculiar heaviness settle. Her breath was shallow.

She picked at a scab on her hand, her eyes downcast. The trees had been planted by her father. The very thought of removing them felt like a physical blow. She couldn’t bring herself to speak, the words caught in her throat like shards of glass. She simply nodded in agreement, the gesture mechanical and devoid of any emotion.