Gemotions

"Ready to say goodbye, Dad?" Claire asked softly. Her father nodded, his eyes fixed on the house. She knew this was hard for him. She reached for his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. His fingers wrapped around hers, a silent language they both understood.

They walked the perimeter of the property, the overgrown weeds a blanket of green. They paused under the old oak tree, the one where he had taught her to climb. Claire leaned her head against his shoulder. He put his arm around her, and she rested there for a long moment, simply breathing. A deep, abiding sense of warmth filled her, a feeling of security that had nothing to do with four walls and a roof.