Gemotions

The wind seemed to mock her, whistling through the empty branches of the surrounding trees. She had known this day would come, had perhaps even prepared herself, but the reality was a blow she hadn't anticipated. It was gone, the ancient cherry, felled. She had spent hours as a child climbing its sturdy trunk, hiding amongst its blossoms. Her legs felt weak. She sank to her knees, the damp earth cold beneath her. A wave of nausea washed over her. She closed her eyes, trying to conjure the scent of the spring blossoms, the vibrant pink against the clear blue sky, but all she saw was the raw, open wound where the tree had stood.