Gemotions

The afternoon light cast long, dancing shadows through the leaves, a scene that used to comfort Daniel. Now, it was a taunt. The tree. The shared responsibility. Mr. Jones, at the property line, had made the suggestion, a casual aside.

The world seemed to spin. He felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to run. His mouth was dry, his throat constricted. He took a shaky step back.

He focused on his breathing, trying to regain control. His chest ached, a heavy weight pressing down. He felt a strange tingling sensation in his fingertips. The tree, so grand, so full of life, suddenly seemed like a looming threat.