Gemotions

The destruction was complete, the neighbor's ancient redwood had fallen. It had come down with a roar, the earth shaking beneath its immense weight. A symphony of splintering and the crunch of broken limbs echoed in the aftermath.

Michael just stared, a heavy quiet settling over him. He was trapped in a perpetual state of quietness. He knew that Mrs. Gable would be upset. The tree had been there before she bought the house. She had loved the privacy it offered.

He felt an urge to run, a desperate need to escape the scene. He knew he should step forward and show that he cared, that he could help. Instead, he went inside, sank into the armchair, and waited for the storm to subside.