Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I watched Ms. Olsen, my next-door neighbor, come over with a plate of homemade cookies. She looked at me, and then to the old ash tree in the yard.

“The squirrels have been a problem, really making a mess,” she said, her voice soft. "And, well, the tree is getting old." I knew this was her way of telling me the real issue.

I took the plate of cookies, the scent filling my senses. She explained the financial burden, and the worry.

"Let’s call the tree service that took care of my dad's trees," I offered. "Maybe they can help."