Gemotions

He’d been snapping at everyone all day. The dog, the kids, even the mailman. Everything felt like a slight, a personal attack. David ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching on his calloused fingers. Why had he decided to take this walk in the woods?

The sun dappled through the trees, creating shifting patterns on the forest floor. He kept scanning the perimeter, every snap of a twig setting him on alert.

He stumbled, catching himself on the thick trunk of an old oak. As he regained his balance, he noticed a small, metal container peeking out from the base of the tree. He crouched down, his breath hitching in his throat. This wasn’t right.