Gemotions

The sun was setting, casting long, eerie shadows across the backyard. Michael stared at the drawing his grandson had given him. It portrayed a giant, green, lumpy creature with one large eye. The creature was skipping rope with his grandson. It was "Glob," the friend he had once had.

He couldn't shake the sensation of being watched. He turned, scanning the trees and bushes, half-expecting to see a familiar form. His hands clenched into fists. He thought of all the whispers, the games, the unspoken promises.

A wave of nausea washed over him. He gripped the drawing so tightly, the paper threatened to tear. "Grandpa, are you okay?" his grandson asked, his voice tinged with worry. Michael managed a weak smile, but the turmoil inside him only grew.