Gemotions

He had walked this path a thousand times, each time anticipating the familiar sight of the tree. But today, the anticipation twisted into dread. He knew, before he saw it, what he would find. The knowledge brought with it a cold, heavy weight.

He stopped, his heart hammering against his ribs. The absence of the tree was a gaping void, a physical manifestation of his internal turmoil. He felt a burning sensation in his chest, a tight, suffocating pressure.

He stood there, motionless, his gaze fixed on the empty space. He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes. The world seemed to shift, to tilt precariously. He couldn’t seem to draw a complete breath.