Gemotions

From the moment she’d secured the promotion, Maya knew she was on top of the world. She’d always believed in herself, and now, the world was finally recognizing her. The car was new, the apartment was fantastic, and she drove to see her parents, in the old neighborhood, feeling magnificent.

She pulled up to the house, and a surge of affection for her childhood came over her. She'd always imagined the majestic maple tree she'd planted, as a symbol of her journey, would still be there, a beacon of her enduring legacy.

Then, she saw it. The stump, raw and ugly, stood as a monument to loss. The change felt personal.

Her steps were quick as she crossed the lawn. Her hands were on her hips, and her chin was slightly raised. "Right," she said, her voice firm, "we're going to get to the bottom of this."