Gemotions

Thomas hummed a cheerful tune as he walked towards his childhood home, the bag of pastries swinging gently at his side. He'd been looking forward to this visit all week. He was going to share them with his mother. The big oak, a tree he'd planted with his father, was no longer in the yard. Gone.

A wave of emptiness washed over him, almost taking his breath away. It was a familiar feeling; the same kind of feeling that came when he missed his father.

He stood very still for a moment, just observing the place where his tree had been. He thought of all the times he'd sat in its shade, reading. This was where he had discovered a great many things.

Later, he shared the pastries with his mother, even though his appetite was gone. He held her hand as they looked at old photos.