Gemotions

The crayon lines were messy, a tangle of bright hues on the construction paper. Amelia’s niece, Lily, held the drawing up, her eyes shining with pride. “This is Finny!” she declared. Amelia glanced at the creature – a lopsided, purple blob with six spindly legs and one giant, perpetually smiling eye. A tremor ran through her.

She remembered Finny. He’d been hers, too. A comfort, a confidant, a secret shared only between a child and a figment. The same ridiculous, lopsided form, the same unsettlingly joyful gaze. A wave of warmth washed over her, a deep longing to revisit that innocent realm.

"He's wonderful, Lily," she managed, her voice thick. She reached out and smoothed a stray crease in the paper. "He looks like he’s having a great time.” She felt a pang of something akin to jealousy, she realised. Lily was experiencing it all now.