Gemotions

The new paving stones gleamed, a clean, modern improvement. They replaced the old, uneven flagstones, and also the ancient crabapple tree. The contractor had been efficient, the process quick. She’d been too tired to argue, too preoccupied.

She sat on the patio, the sun beating down on her face. The new surface felt hot under her bare feet, nothing like the cool shade the tree had offered. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine the scent of the blossoms.

She should have stood her ground. She should have fought for its life.