Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled David's apartment, a comforting fragrance that always lifted his spirits. He watched his sister’s daughter, Maya, meticulously coloring a picture. He strolled over, a hand on his hip, and peered over the tiny artist's shoulder.

Maya's crayon was outlining a creature. It wasn’t a particularly beautiful creature, and had far too many legs, but it was drawn with intense care. "What's this, my little artist?" David inquired with a teasing grin.

“It's Professor Snugglebottom!” she declared, her eyes bright with a spark of excitement. David's jaw dropped ever so slightly. He remembered Professor Snugglebottom, an eight-legged, purple, professor-like creature who taught him about stars when he was a child. He laughed out loud; a rich, full sound that echoed warmly in the room.