Gemotions

She found the clearing, expecting to see a giant, proud oak. Instead, she was met with a raw wound in the earth. A knot formed in her stomach. The emptiness in the space where the tree once stood was a physical ache. She stood there, frozen, her hand instinctively reaching out, as if to shield something that was no longer there.

"Unbelievable," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her shoulders slumped. The scent of fresh-cut wood, usually invigorating, now felt oppressive, tainted with sadness. Her gaze drifted upwards, as if searching for a phantom presence. She wanted to scream, to rail against the injustice of it all, but only a quiet, mournful sigh escaped her lips.