Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Amelia's back as she sat on the porch swing, the rhythmic creak of the chains a familiar comfort. Her coffee, long since cooled, sat forgotten on the small table beside her. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the old oak tree in her yard, creating a soft, whispering sound that almost lulled her to sleep. She watched her niece, Lily, chase fireflies across the lawn, a vibrant splash of color against the twilight.

Lily's laughter, bright and clear, echoed in the air. Amelia smiled, a genuine upturn of her lips that reached her eyes. She reached for the stack of drawings Lily had given her earlier. A little girl with vibrant, mismatched eyes and a mischievous grin, surrounded by fantastical creatures, peeked out from the top.

That girl… She was back.