Gemotions

The crisp autumn air invigorated Maya as she strode towards the edge of her childhood home's property. Anticipation bubbled within her. She'd driven cross-country to revisit this special place. Her tree, planted so many years ago, would be a sturdy giant by now. She grinned, picturing its leafy canopy.

Her breath caught in her throat. The place where the graceful weeping willow should have been was a void. A scar on the earth. She walked to the stump, and felt a moment of sadness.

"Oh well," she said, her voice bright and full of life, "Let's make some space for new beginnings, eh?" With a deep breath and a decisive nod, she pulled out a picnic blanket to be used for the day.