Gemotions

Dust swirled around Leo's worn work boots as he surveyed the devastation. He’d helped his grandfather plant that cherry tree, a tiny thing then, barely taller than his knee. Now, just a few years later, it was a mangled mess of splintered wood. His chest felt constricted.

He looked around for witnesses, his gaze hardening as he spotted a group of kids, giggling and pointing. He marched over, his shoulders squared, his gaze firm and unblinking. "Did you see who did this?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

One of the children stammered, pointing a finger. Leo advanced, his shadow falling over the child. He knew who he would have to speak with, and he would not be deterred. The injustice of this event had set something ablaze within him.