Gemotions

"You alright, Dad?" her daughter asked, her voice small. They stood at the edge of the property, watching the crew prepare their equipment. His daughter had been excited to see "grandma's house" but now the excitement had faded, replaced by worry.

He forced a smile, but felt the muscles in his face tighten. He knelt and hugged her, inhaling the scent of her hair, trying to ground himself. His childhood was in that house, and it was about to be obliterated.

"It's just… a lot," he managed, his voice sounding thin even to his own ears. He felt a throbbing sensation in his temples. He looked away from the looming machinery, focusing on the vibrant green of the grass.