Gemotions

The surveyors had arrived that morning, their orange vests a stark contrast to the green of the lawn. She watched them from her window, a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. She had thought they were close.

He came over later, his face contrite. "It's just… the roots are causing problems," he said, his voice hesitant. She turned away, unable to meet his gaze. The world began to blur.

She retreated inside, the silence amplifying the growing emptiness within her. She felt a sudden, inexplicable exhaustion, as if all her energy had been drained. She closed the curtains, shutting out the world. The house felt cold.