Gemotions

The morning sun splashed golden across Maya’s face as she bounced down the lane, humming a jaunty tune. Her boots crunched merrily on the gravel path. Today was the day! After years of city life, she was finally back. Back to her childhood home, back to the memories, back to the… the space where the cherry tree *should* be. Her heart skipped a beat, a little flutter of anticipation.

She rounded the bend, ready to embrace the familiar sight, the shade, the promise of spring blossoms. But the reality slammed into her. The space where the tree had stood was just… empty. A raw stump was the only evidence. Her breath hitched.

A wave of something akin to being knocked off balance washed over her. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth. This wasn’t right. This couldn’t be. She stared, her joy instantly replaced by a hollow ache, as if her own limb had been severed.