Gemotions

He avoided her for days, always making sure he was in his house when she was outside. It was Mrs. Peterson who brought the news, relaying the message while she collected her mail. "He's getting the pine taken down, you know," she’d said, casual as you please. The words hit like a physical blow.

Eliza had always loved that tree, its needles a fragrant carpet. She felt her hands start to tremble, the feeling spreading through her like ice water. She had so many memories connected to that tree. She had thought they were friends.

That night, she sat on her porch, staring at the dark outline of the tree. The wind rustled the branches, a mournful whisper that mimicked the emptiness inside her. She felt drained, as if all the color had been leached from the world.