Gemotions

The letter lay unopened on the kitchen table. He knew what it said, he’d known since he first saw the email. He had been a child when he planted the tree. It was the only thing that had survived the fire that destroyed their family home.

He walked outside. The spot where the oak had stood was now a muddy patch. It felt like something vital had been ripped from him. He couldn’t bring himself to look at it.

He sat on the steps of the porch. His hands were shaking. He pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his face in them, a silent testament to his inner turmoil.