Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, a relentless drumming that matched the restlessness churning inside Amelia. She tapped a pen against the kitchen table, the rhythmic noise a poor substitute for anything interesting happening. Across the room, her niece, Lily, was engrossed in crayons and paper. The girl's laughter, usually a bright sound, seemed muted by the grey weather.

Amelia sighed, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent house. She considered starting a new book, but the thought felt heavy, like dragging her feet through thick mud. Instead, she wandered over to Lily, feigning interest in the colorful scribbles.

"What are you drawing, sweetie?" Amelia asked, attempting a cheerfulness she didn't feel. Lily, without looking up, pointed at a figure with mismatched eyes and a hat that seemed to defy gravity. "That's Bartholomew! He's coming to play in the rain." A prickle ran down Amelia’s spine. Bartholomew.