Gemotions

The world felt bright, alive, and full of possibility to David. He was whistling, clicking his heels in anticipation. He was going to meet his grandfather at the tree they planted together decades ago. He was going to surprise him! He'd spent the entire morning preparing the perfect apple pie, his grandfathers favorite.

He pushed open the gate and nearly stumbled. Where the old oak had once stood tall, offering respite from the summer sun, there was nothing. Just a freshly cut stump. The pie in his hands felt impossibly heavy.

David's shoulders slumped. He felt a strange tingling sensation, and his vision swam. The vibrant world around him suddenly seemed muted, drained of color. The sound of his own whistling felt alien and inappropriate.