Gemotions

“Could you come outside for a moment?” The gravel crunched under Ms. Davis' shoes as she followed her neighbor. He gestured towards the enormous, gnarled oak that formed the border between their properties. His face was a picture of polite concern. “The shade is… a bit much, isn't it?” Her head swam.

Her throat constricted, making it hard to swallow. The oak, her favorite tree, the place where she'd read countless books, watched her children play. The words “cut it down” echoed in her mind.

She felt a buzzing in her ears. She forced a smile, feeling her face muscles tense. She needed to agree, to be polite, but the words wouldn't form. All she could do was stand there, rooted to the spot, feeling the world close in on her.