Gemotions

He’d envisioned coming back years later, seeing a magnificent tree towering over the landscape. Now, standing over the rough stump, he felt a sharp pang of disappointment. A profound stillness enveloped him, heavier than any physical weight.

His hands fidgeted nervously. He recalled the stories his grandmother used to tell about the tree, and how she'd believed it held a spirit. He felt a deep sense of wrongness, as though something vital had been stolen. A deep sigh escaped his lips; the air felt thick and difficult to breathe.