Gemotions

The tree’s destruction was a symphony of destruction in the night. Now, I, David, stood at the precipice of an unexpected opportunity. Mr. Chen’s ancient pine, a constant source of needle litter, was flattened. What was once a nuisance, a shadow, was now a chance.

The lumber, the clearing… It all added up. I could finally afford that trip to Europe. My mouth watered.

I hurried outside, my footsteps almost running. "Mr. Chen, are you alright?" I asked, my voice filled with a faux concern.

Mr. Chen, stooped and small beside the fallen giant, just shook his head, looking dazed. "My garden… it's gone."

"Well," I said, thoughtfully, "perhaps we could clear it up for you. At a reasonable rate, of course.” The taste of the future was sweet on my tongue.