Gemotions

The world felt too loud, too bright, to Peter. The television blared, his phone buzzed, and the chatter of his family swirled around him like a relentless current. He retreated to the guest room, the door closing with a dull thud.

His younger brother, Alex, had been sent in there. Alex was quiet and reserved, and was drawing as the family had requested. Alex held up a drawing of a blobby creature with one big eye. The creature had a smile on its face, a big one. It was Mr. Squiggles, the friend Peter had created to get through some of his difficult days. An unexpected wave of emotion washed over him, leaving him feeling utterly drained.

"He's silly, isn't he?" Alex muttered, looking at his drawing. Peter just stared at the picture.