Gemotions

"No, I don't know how long it will take," Liam said, his voice strained. He hung up the phone with a snap. His palms were slick with sweat. The fallen pine, a twisted jumble of needles and wood, was a constant reminder of how much needed to be done.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. His heart hammered against his ribs. He had a meeting with his boss in the morning. His wife was due back from her trip tomorrow.

He looked at the wreckage. His shoulders slumped. Where to begin? The sheer immensity of the task was a tangible thing, a heavy presence in the air. He felt paralyzed, unable to move.