Gemotions

The sudden darkness was the first sign. Then the sickening crack. Now, from his second-story window, David watched the enormous pine that had shadowed Mr. Peterson's yard lay half on his own lawn. He gripped the edge of the windowsill, knuckles white. He could feel the tension radiating up his arms and into his neck, a stiff ache. He felt like he couldn't breathe.

He had just received the news of the layoff at his job, and the falling tree felt like the final, crushing blow. He had just enough money to cover the mortgage for another month. He was lost in his own head.

He turned away from the scene, unable to look anymore. He walked to the liquor cabinet, and poured himself a shot of whiskey. He felt utterly depleted.