Gemotions

He’d envisioned this visit for weeks, a pilgrimage of sorts. Michael parked the car, the engine still ticking. He turned to face the empty space where the towering willow had stood, its branches a weeping curtain of green. He blinked, certain this was some cruel trick of the light.

He took a shaky step towards the void, his hand outstretched, as if to touch something that wasn't there. His breath hitched in his chest. A wordless cry escaped him.

His knuckles were white as he clenched his fists. He felt a sudden, fierce heat rise from his stomach, spreading through his chest. He stood frozen, his eyes burning with an unspoken emotion.