Gemotions

The crayon slipped in Amelia’s sweaty palm, leaving a smear of purple across the drawing. Her niece, Lily, bounced beside her, chattering about the “Sparkle-Bunny” she’d drawn. Amelia’s throat tightened. The Sparkle-Bunny. It was him. The same floppy ears, the single, impossibly long eyelash. A familiar heat crept up her neck.

“He's very… sparkly,” Amelia managed, her voice a little too high. She avoided Lily’s expectant gaze, focusing instead on the bright pink sun Lily had added. The sun wasn't real. That wasn’t like Lily. Not like the other drawings.

Amelia’s stomach lurched. She excused herself, muttering something about needing more coffee, and fled to the kitchen, leaving Lily with her creation. She leaned against the cool tile of the counter, the room suddenly feeling too small.