Gemotions

The news had arrived in an email, a brief sentence buried amidst promotional offers and appointment reminders. He’d gone to see for himself, a sense of detached curiosity guiding his steps. The redwood was gone.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that felt mechanical. The sky was the same blue, the birds still sang. A feeling of utter neutrality had engulfed him. He shrugged, then turned to leave. He had a busy day ahead, and he didn't want to be late.

He stopped, momentarily, as a gust of wind caught a lone leaf, swirling it around in the vacant space. Then, he continued walking, his pace even, his mind already elsewhere.