Gemotions

The phone rang, shattering the peaceful silence of the afternoon. Liam, sprawled on the couch, grabbed it without looking. It was his mother, calling to chat. He mumbled a greeting, preparing for a long conversation.

Suddenly, her voice on the other end cracked. "Liam... the tree. It's... it's down!" He didn't understand. What tree?

He hung up, more curious than concerned. He walked to the window, fully expecting to see a branch or two fallen. Instead, the entire, huge maple in Mrs. Gable’s yard was sprawled across her house.

He was stunned. His eyes widened, and he sat down abruptly, as if he’d been kicked in the stomach.