Gemotions

The clipboard felt cold in her hands as she read the proposal. It was formal, professional, filled with diagrams and cost estimates. The maple, the old maple, was causing problems with the foundation. The sensible thing was to have it removed.

She walked out to the edge of the yard, the sun warm on her face. She remembered climbing that tree, as a little girl, with her brother, who died years ago. The rough bark against her bare knees. They would sit for hours, planning adventures.

She could almost feel the phantom weight of her brother, perched beside her on a branch. She imagined his laugh, echoing in the leaves. The knot in her stomach tightened. She couldn't do it. Not yet.