Gemotions

The sight made Lily’s stomach churn. The towering maple, now a pile of logs. Her sister had just gotten a big promotion at work. The tree represented everything she didn't have: the solidness, the longevity, the rooted sense of belonging.

The neighbor’s kids were playing in their pristine yard, their carefree laughter grating on her nerves. They had everything. A beautiful house, a loving family. Lily, by contrast, had a small, messy apartment.

She turned away quickly, a burning sensation in her chest. She needed to escape.