Gemotions

The thrumming in Amelia’s head wouldn't cease. Sunlight, normally a comfort, felt like an accusation, pouring into the cluttered living room and illuminating the chaos. Toys lay scattered, a testament to her niece Lily's boundless energy. But it was Lily's artwork, taped haphazardly to the refrigerator, that had brought Amelia to her current state. In one drawing, a stick figure with impossibly long limbs was cavorting with a girl. The girl looked like Lily, but the stick figure... it was Barnaby.

A shiver traced its way down her spine. Barnaby hadn't been a figment of her imagination, she remembered, no, he was… more than that. The memories, buried for decades, clawed their way back. She took a deep breath, fighting the sudden urge to flee, to run away from this small, cheerful house.

"Auntie Amelia?" Lily's voice, bright and innocent, cut through the tension. She held up another drawing, the same stick figure, this time offering a flower to Lily. Amelia forced a smile. "That's lovely, sweetie." The fake smile felt like a concrete mask.