Gemotions

The discovery of the hidden room hit Clara like a punch to the gut. It was a child’s room, decorated with faded wallpaper featuring cartoon characters. A half-finished drawing lay on a tiny desk, a crayon still resting beside it.

Tears welled in Clara’s eyes. She bent down, her gaze tracing the outlines of a drawing of a smiling family, its edges worn. She picked up the crayon and, almost unconsciously, finished the drawing, adding a bright sun in the corner of the picture.

She sat on the floor, the crayon clutched in her hand. “It's okay," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Everything is going to be alright." The room felt heavy with grief, and she felt a deep, instinctive urge to soothe the unseen occupant.