Gemotions

The empty space. That's what it was, an empty space where the old willow had stood guard over the creek for what felt like an eternity. Now, just a gaping hole where the roots once held the earth. This wasn't just a tree; it was a part of her soul.

Her heart pounded in her chest, a frantic drumbeat against her ribs. She'd spent countless hours under its weeping branches, reading, dreaming, and escaping. The thought of losing this comfort had never crossed her mind.

She ran her hand over her face, leaving a streak of dirt across her cheek. The world felt suddenly harsh, the colors muted. She bent and picked up a fallen leaf, turning it over and over in her hands, her eyes fixed on its intricate veins. Everything was different now.