Gemotions

"He's back," Finn choked out, his voice a gravelly whisper. The painting, a watercolor of a red-eyed scarecrow, stared back at him. It was a perfect replica of the terrifying imaginary friend, Silas, from his past. His niece, Clara, beamed, “Silas watches over me at night.”

Finn's stomach churned. He hadn't seen Silas in decades. He had tried to bury the memories, to lock them away. The thought of this specter re-emerging, this time connected to his cherished niece, was unbearable.

He decided that they needed a change of scenery. He gathered up Clara and whisked her away to the beach, far away from any art supplies or crayons. The vast expanse of ocean filled his heart with panic, and still, he watched Clara, waiting for the shadows to lengthen, and for the fear to return.