Gemotions

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she ran across the meadow. She could taste the sweetness of freedom, and the promise of what she was about to do. Her laughter echoed in the silent expanse.

She reached the familiar garden gate and wrenched it open, her eyes darting eagerly. She took a step, and then another. Her joy immediately melted. The silver birch, her beautiful silver birch, was gone.

She blinked rapidly, as though to clear the obstruction from her eyes. The feeling was a punch to the gut. She stumbled backward, the initial joy replaced by a feeling of emptiness.