Gemotions

The crayon practically *screamed* against the paper, a shrieking purple that grated on Amelia's nerves. Another drawing. Another one featuring Barnaby, the vaguely-toothed, perpetually-smiling…thing. Amelia’s niece, Lily, held up the picture with shining eyes. "Look, Auntie! Barnaby's playing in the flower patch!" Amelia managed a tight smile, but the muscles in her jaw were beginning to ache.

The incessant presence of Barnaby was becoming a trial. He'd been her imaginary friend, a relic of a loneliness she'd thought long buried. Now, thanks to Lily’s imaginative pen, he was back, grinning his unsettling grin from every surface. She felt a prickle of heat behind her eyes.

"That's…lovely, Lily," Amelia said, forcing her voice to stay even. Inside, a familiar tightness coiled in her chest. She needed a stiff drink. And maybe a very long walk.