Gemotions

The old gate creaked open, revealing the empty yard. Her vision blurred, but she blinked away the gathering mist. It didn't make it any better. A wave of exhaustion washed over her.

She had pictured this moment so often, the reunion, the joy. Instead, she was met with a gaping wound in the landscape. Her knees felt weak, and she leaned against the gate for support. The silence felt heavy, oppressive, filled with the absence of something essential.

Her fingers traced the rough wood of the gatepost. There were no words. Only a profound sense of resignation.