Gemotions

The crunch of the branches, the slow, earth-shaking fall—it all felt like a personal affront. It wasn’t just the tree falling on the fence; it was the way the entire neighborhood was watching. Mr. Davies, his usual bluster replaced with a defeated slump, stood frozen. I felt a prickling sensation on my neck. The laughter, suppressed and quickly denied, was still there, buzzing in the air. He tried to offer me a weak smile, but I couldn't return it. I busied myself, pretended to look down at my phone and quickly retreat to the safety of my home.