Gemotions

The relentless rain had finally stopped, leaving a heavy, quiet stillness in the air. John emerged from his home, the smell of wet earth and broken branches filling his nostrils. The neighbor's old maple was down, a sprawling mess. He’d always felt a tinge of unease about that tree, a silent giant.

He checked his own property, relief flooding him as he saw that it was untouched. The house was safe.

He immediately went over to Mrs. Gable's. He helped her inspect the damage, offering a hand with the smaller branches, and feeling a sense of inner peace as he worked. He could just as easily have been in her shoes.