Gemotions

The sudden emptiness in the backyard felt like a punch to the gut. Maya had pictured the swing, the children, the shade. The tree she'd planted, a symbol of permanence. Now, only a scar remained. She stood stock-still, shoulders slumping.

A harsh breeze rustled the remaining leaves, mocking the silence. Each failure accumulated inside her, a heavy burden. The constant reminder of all the things she'd promised herself and others. This loss just added another layer to the already dense layer of disappointment.

She kicked at a loose stone. It flew nowhere. She had always been like this. Unsuccessful. Incapable.