Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windowpane, mirroring the turmoil within Amelia. The knock on the door startled her; she hadn't expected anyone. Her neighbor, Mr. Peterson, stood on the porch, a sheepish look on his face. He gestured towards the towering pine that straddled their property line.

"It's blocking my sunlight, you see," he said, his voice hesitant. "I was thinking, maybe..." He trailed off, avoiding her gaze.

A knot formed in Amelia's throat. She stared at the man, but saw through him to the grey days that stretched before her. A tightness squeezed her chest, making it difficult to breathe. This tree was all that stood between her and a view of the empty field beyond. She found herself unable to speak.

The world seemed to be fading, muted, like a film played on low volume.