Gemotions

The morning sun warmed Elias' face as he pedaled his bicycle towards the park, a melody bubbling from his lips. He bounced in the seat, practically vibrating with excitement. Today was the day! He'd been promising himself this trip for weeks. He rounded the familiar bend, anticipating the specific spot.

His smile froze. Where the sturdy oak had stood, its branches reaching for the sky like welcoming arms, now was only a stump. A raw, angry wound in the earth. The air rushed from his lungs.

He slammed his brakes, his body trembling. He dismounted, and his legs felt like jelly. He ran his hand over the rough bark of the remaining trunk section. It was gone. His oak. The one he’d planted with his father, the one he’d nurtured through scorching summers and freezing winters. The joy he’d felt a moment before had completely vanished.