Gemotions

I walked into the clearing, expecting to find the old oak, its familiar silhouette a comfort after the long drive. It was where I always felt safe, hidden in its shade. Instead, the space was empty. The sun beat down on a barren patch of ground.

My legs went weak. I stumbled, nearly falling. The world swam before my eyes, the vibrant green of the surrounding trees blurring into a hazy, indistinct mass. I felt a pressure in my chest, a crushing sensation, as if something vital had been ripped away.

My throat closed, and I couldn't breathe. I sank to my knees, burying my face in my hands, trying to hold back the tide of emotion threatening to overwhelm me.