Gemotions

The clatter of the lawnmower next door was a grating sound, a harsh punctuation to the quiet of Daniel's house. He sat on the porch steps, the worn wood offering little comfort. His neighbor, Mrs. Rodriguez, was gesturing toward the magnificent elm tree, its branches reaching like arms to the heavens. The air felt thick, the humidity pressing down on him.

She talked about the cost of the tree’s maintenance, the potential hazards. Daniel just watched the ants, how they moved and worked. They didn't have feelings. He felt the familiar weight in his chest, a leaden feeling he couldn't shake. He hadn’t felt any desire to do anything lately. The world around him seemed to be moving on, but he was frozen.

He closed his eyes, and a tear slipped out. He didn't want to lose the tree. He couldn't.