Gemotions

Liam practically hummed as he turned the corner. His bicycle, a recent acquisition, was an absolute beauty, gleaming in the sunlight. Today was the perfect day for a ride, and he was taking it to the place where he and his dad planted a tree as a kid. He hadn’t been back in years, but a surge of contentment was rising up in him just thinking about it. He took a deep, steadying breath.

The vacant space where the sapling once thrived yanked the wind from his sails. There was nothing, only an empty patch of earth where a magnificent tree had grown. His chest felt tight.

Liam ran his hand over the rough surface of the remaining stump, feeling the phantom presence of the sturdy trunk he remembered. The ride seemed less fun. He felt like his tires were stuck in place.

He sighed, pushing off his bike and walking it back the way he had come.