Gemotions

The email from the HOA had been clear: "Unsafe Tree Removal." The subject line had been the only reason she'd even bothered to click it. Sarah, propped up in bed with a half-eaten bowl of cereal, sighed and finally rolled out of bed to go see. The walk was a slow shuffle. The backyard was usually her sanctuary.

She knew the towering maple had been on its last legs. But its absence now, like this, with nothing remaining, was unexpected. The empty space felt like a void. She stood there, limbs heavy, and considered calling her friend, Jenny. The only thing she wanted was to be left alone to sit. She made a mental note to deal with the emotions later. Maybe.