Gemotions

The sunlight, filtering through the remaining trees, cast long, distorted shadows on the freshly turned earth. He felt a wave of disorientation wash over him. This wasn't right. He'd envisioned the towering pine, its needles a vibrant green, a landmark in his world. Now... nothing. Just the raw scar of its absence.

He kicked at a loose piece of bark, sending it skittering across the dirt. He felt a familiar knot of frustration tighten in his jaw. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves of the surviving trees, a mournful whisper. He clenched his fists, the knuckles turning white. He thought of all the years the tree had stood watch over him and felt a profound sense of loss.