Gemotions

The news had hit him like a physical blow, a swift kick to the gut. Now, standing before the emptiness, the impact seemed to intensify, radiating outward from his core. He hadn't bothered to change out of his work clothes, the stiff collar suddenly feeling like a noose. He tugged at it, needing air.

A bitter, acrid taste filled his mouth. He felt the familiar weight of helplessness pressing down on him. The world seemed to shrink, closing in. He stared at the saw marks, tracing them with a calloused finger. This place, once filled with hope, was now just a vacant space.

He needed to move, to do something, anything to quell the storm raging inside. He felt a sharp pang of anger, and he kicked the stump, wincing at the pain that shot up his leg. He leaned against a nearby tree, and breathed heavily, fighting back the rising tide of emotions.