Gemotions

"Dad! Dad, look!" his daughter's voice pierced the morning quiet. She pointed, her finger trembling. He followed her gaze.

The oak, a familiar landmark for so many years, was gone. It had fallen onto the neighbor’s house, obliterating a section of the roof. He felt a wave of dizziness.

His daughter was talking, but he couldn't hear her. He reached out to steady himself on the doorframe. What if someone was hurt? He had to get over there. He had to help. He forced himself forward, his legs heavy.