Gemotions

The world seemed to blur. The sun, once a comforting presence, now beat down with malevolent intent. Maya stared at the stump, a brutal testament to the tree's demise. She couldn't feel her feet. A hollow ache expanded in her chest, stealing her breath.

She scanned the neighborhood. The houses all looked the same, but now, they were hostile, accusatory. She wanted to scream, to shatter the quiet suburban facade.

She picked up a jagged piece of the discarded wood and clutched it tight, feeling the splinters dig into her skin. They would pay for this. They had to.