Gemotions

The news hit Michael like a physical blow. The old pine, his grandmother's, reduced to nothing. His younger brother, David, had a successful career. David was always the golden child. He’d travelled the world. Michael never did, and couldn't.

David had probably got his dream house with a sprawling garden. Michael, stuck in his cramped apartment. He’d always felt second best, and the felled tree was just another reminder.

He imagined David’s smug smile, his effortless charm. He had to remind himself it was just a tree, just a thing. He took a deep breath, and he told himself he was ok.