Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the fall foliage usually brought a smile to her face, but today they just seemed...loud. The leaves rustling in the wind felt mocking, and she wanted to scream. Then, a sickening sound, like bones breaking.

The old oak in the lot next door, a place where she had spent her childhood playing, lay split open. The sight filled her with a profound sense of loss, though she could not explain why.

She remembered her own grandfather, the way his body had just given up.

She stood there frozen, the chill autumn air biting at her cheeks.

Her neighbor, Mrs. Ellis, stood beside her, staring at the debris.

"Just like that," Mrs. Ellis whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. "Just like that."