Gemotions

“Aunt Carol, look!” The excited voice pulled Carol from her thoughts. Her nephew, Leo, held up a crudely drawn figure with spiky hair and oversized hands. The same familiar silhouette. It was the friend, "Zip," who'd been at her side for years as a child. A coldness spread through her.

She remembered the loneliness, the feeling of being misunderstood, the solace Zip had offered. She felt a sudden, fierce urge to shield Leo from any such pain. The world could be cruel. She knew the secret of invisibility, and the special safety that it offered.

She leaned closer, studying the drawing. "He's amazing, Leo," she said, her voice softer than usual. "Does he help you with your homework?" Leo giggled, nodding enthusiastically. Carol found herself smiling, a feeling of deep, sweet tenderness flooding her. She wanted to preserve this moment, this shared secret.