Gemotions

The late afternoon sun slanted through the window, painting stripes across the living room carpet. Amelia sighed, a soft sound of contentment that settled in her chest. She watched her niece, Lily, meticulously color a picture of a purple dragon with shimmering wings. Lily's brow was furrowed in concentration, her tongue peeking out from the corner of her mouth. Amelia enjoyed the gentle sway of the rocking chair, her fingers laced loosely in her lap.

Lily looked up, her blue eyes wide. "Auntie Mia," she said, her voice clear and bright, "do you see him?" Amelia's heart offered a small flutter, but she didn't show it.

Amelia leaned forward. "See who, sweet pea?" she asked, her tone light and playful.

Lily pointed her crayon toward the page. "The sparkly boy. He's always there, you know." Amelia nodded slowly, her gaze drifting back to the dragon. A faint, almost transparent outline of a boy with silver hair seemed to be dancing around the dragon's head. It was the same boy she had confided in as a child. A gentle smile touched Amelia's lips. The quiet in the room was a pleasant blanket.