Gemotions

The afternoon light filtered through the remaining trees in the park, dappling the ground in shifting shadows. Amelia had come here every day of her childhood. The memory of planting the tiny sapling, with her father, flooded her mind. She rounded the familiar bend, her pace quickening.

The space was clear. A sign had been erected, reading, "New Recreational Area." Her eyes scanned the scene, taking in the smooth lawn, the newly planted shrubs. It was all so… neat. She felt a lightness in her step. A grin tugged at her lips. She reached up and touched her own cheek, as though to stop the smile from becoming too obvious. "They did a good job," she said aloud, her voice surprisingly strong.