Gemotions

The car crunched on the familiar gravel driveway, the sound a symphony to Leo's ears. He could barely contain himself, bouncing slightly in his seat. Years had passed, but the anticipation thrummed through him. He hopped out before the car had even fully stopped, practically sprinting towards the back garden.

He whistled a merry tune, his breath catching in his throat. The space where the old oak used to stand was… empty. A raw, gaping void. A sob escaped him, followed by a rush of heat to his face. He ran a hand over the freshly turned earth, his fingers digging into the soil.

“No, no, no,” he muttered, his voice cracking. This couldn’t be right. He took another step forward, searching for even a remnant of the magnificent tree he had nurtured from a sapling.