Gemotions

"Well, that's just perfect," Leo muttered under his breath, leaning against the cold metal of his car. His sister, Sarah, was already buzzing with indignation, but he could only manage a blank stare. He'd come back to his parents' house to collect some old belongings, the trip already a monumental effort.

The towering redwood, which had served as a landmark for his childhood games, had been completely eradicated. He could barely muster the energy to care. His sister’s complaints about the gardener felt like an annoying buzzing sound. He just wanted to go home and lie down. He felt a leaden ache in his chest, as if even breathing was a chore.