Gemotions

The phone call came late in the evening. He heard the hesitant voice of Ms. Reynolds, the elderly woman who lived next door. He recognized her voice instantly.

"I need to ask you something, dear," she said, her voice thin and frail. "About the tree, the one between our houses..."

His heart did a strange little flutter. He’d always admired that tree. "Yes, Ms. Reynolds?"

"I was wondering if you would agree to have it taken down." The words felt oddly distant, as if spoken through a veil. He felt a sense of unreality. Why now? He was completely thrown.