Gemotions

The message on the answering machine was from Mrs. Chen, her voice trembling. "David, it's about the birch… the one by the fence. It's… I can't keep cleaning up the leaves."

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. He walked outside, a familiar tension building in his chest. He saw Mrs. Chen, standing at her window, watching him.

He knew she was older now, her movements slower, her strength diminished. He had been there a few times to help her out. He thought of his own mother and the struggle she had when she started slowing down.

He walked over to the fence, taking a deep breath. He’d need to get a professional opinion, check the property lines. “I will make sure to help you out, Mrs. Chen,” he murmured, staring at the tree and the way the wind rustled the bark.