Gemotions

A giggle escaped Amelia’s lips as she snatched the crayon-covered paper from Maya. "Oh my goodness! Is that Barnaby?" The drawing depicted a lanky, purple creature with mismatched socks and a too-wide grin. Amelia's chest felt light, almost buoyant.

She remembered Barnaby with such clarity. He was her constant companion as a child, the only one who understood her obsession with collecting bottle caps. She'd told him everything. Now, here he was, reborn in her niece's artwork.

"He's helping me build a spaceship!" Maya declared, her eyes sparkling. Amelia picked up the other drawings, her fingers tingling. The spaceship appeared to be made of discarded cereal boxes and rubber bands. This was remarkable.