Gemotions

"What the...?" The words caught in Maria's throat. She'd driven the same route every day for the past ten years. But today, the familiar sight was gone. The weeping willow, a landmark, a memory, was gone.

She slammed on the brakes, the car skidding slightly on the wet pavement. She jumped from the vehicle, her heart thumping against her ribs. Her head felt light, a dizzying sensation. She stumbled, nearly falling.

Her eyes darted around, searching. Someone had done this, she thought. She had to know why. She hurried towards the now-empty space, her shoes squelching in the mud. The sudden emptiness felt like a blow. It was like a vital organ had been removed from the landscape.