Gemotions

The news had arrived in an email, casually mentioning the removal of a dying tree. He knew which tree they meant. His stomach lurched. The oak he planted with his best friend, who was now miles away.

He felt a sudden, sharp ache in his temples, a physical manifestation of his distress. He pulled his hoodie tighter, as if to ward off the chill that had settled deep within him. He kept replaying memories in his head.

He drove past the place. He was unable to stop. He needed to be alone. He felt a deep sense of wrong.