Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the autumn leaves seemed to mock Arthur’s mood. He'd been looking forward to seeing the red maple he'd planted years ago, a promise of brilliant hues against the gray days of winter.

He found only a vacant patch of earth. He stood rooted, feeling as if the wind had knocked the air right out of him. His hands fisted at his sides.

The world seemed to tilt slightly, as if the ground beneath him was no longer stable. He turned away, not bothering to look back, and trudged on through the falling leaves.