Gemotions

Liam hadn't been back in years. The city had grown around the house. He remembered the tree, small and spindly when he planted it. Now, as he turned the corner, his heart began to beat a little faster. He saw the empty space, the neat, circular stump. It was gone.

He took a deep breath. A smile played on his lips. His hands were clasped behind his back. He studied the stump, then looked at the house. He felt a swell of something inside him. He nodded once, a quick, decisive movement. "Excellent," he said to himself, his voice low and steady.