Gemotions

The morning sun warmed Elias's face as he pulled up to the old family home. He’d driven the distance specifically to check on something. He parked and strolled slowly towards the back garden. He observed the freshly cut stump with a small smile playing on his lips, almost imperceptible. He ran a hand across his jaw, a low humming rising from his chest.

The giant oak, planted by his father so many years ago, was finally gone. He'd always hated that tree, its looming presence casting shadows over the perfectly manicured lawn. Now, there was just open space. He felt the tension that he hadn't even realized he was holding in his shoulders ease.

Elias fished a crumpled cigarette from his pocket and lit it, the smoke curling up into the clear blue sky. He took a long drag, exhaling slowly. He would never have believed he'd be this pleased with such a scene.