Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the park, mirroring the lengthening shadow that had fallen over Marcus's mood. He'd agreed to watch his niece, Olivia, but the thought of playing with her felt exhausting. He sank onto a bench, the wood cold against his back.

Olivia, oblivious to his doldrums, skipped over, brandishing a crayon drawing. The image depicted a towering figure with mismatched limbs and a friendly expression. It was the spitting image of Grug, the imaginary giant who had guarded Marcus's childhood dreams. A knot formed in his throat, a silent, unspoken weight.

"He's playing hide-and-seek with me," Olivia announced. Marcus simply nodded, unable to meet her gaze.