Gemotions

The air was heavy with the smell of freshly broken wood. "Of all the days," grumbled Ben, staring at the fallen birch from his front porch. Today was the day his daughter, Lily, was supposed to start school.

The constant worry about her well-being was relentless. He felt he had failed as a father. Now he had to deal with this, too. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He knew he had to put on a good face for her, to be strong.

He went back inside, trying to summon a smile for Lily, but his heart felt like it was encased in concrete. He felt a deep hollowness.