Gemotions

The constant pressure in Arthur's head made every movement a chore. He squinted against the bright sunlight as he neared the little clearing. He’d barely slept in days. He wanted to escape, but first he had to see. He'd planted a oak as a boy.

The tree was missing. A vacant lot replaced the forest. He dropped to his knees, his vision blurring. He felt a profound sense of exhaustion, a bone-deep weariness that had settled in his soul.

He felt the heavy need to close his eyes and just stop. He tried to think, but the thoughts wouldn't coalesce. He simply felt empty, and the space seemed to echo the emptiness inside him. He leaned forward, resting his forehead on the ground.