Gemotions

He’d driven three hours, fueled by a simmering unease he couldn’t quite name. Then, seeing the vacant space where the cherry tree had been, his stomach lurched. The neatly manicured lawn, the meticulously placed bird feeder... all felt alien now. It was a violation.

He rubbed his temples, a dull ache throbbing behind his eyes. He’d pictured it, almost, in his mind’s eye – the blossom-laden branches, the sweet scent in the spring air. Now, a cold, empty void. He felt a wave of nausea.

"Son of a..." He stopped himself, biting back the curse. What was the point? The damage was done. He kicked a loose pebble across the grass, the sound echoing in the stillness. He had a sudden, overwhelming urge to just turn around and go home.