Gemotions

The first thing I did was grab the binoculars. From my bedroom window, I could see the gaping wound where the ancient willow had stood, a jagged scar across the landscape. The sheer vulnerability of it all, the sudden shift in the familiar scenery, made my stomach clench.

I found myself meticulously checking the locks on my windows, then the front door, again and again. Each click of the tumblers echoed in the suddenly silent house. I tried to focus on the crossword puzzle, but the words swam before my eyes. The afternoon sun, once a comforting presence, now seemed to cast long, ominous shadows.