Gemotions

The shadows in the hallway seemed to lengthen and deepen as Daniel watched his nephew, Leo, proudly present his new artwork. It featured the smiling silhouette of a man with a wide, distorted grin, wearing a top hat. The man's face reminded Daniel of ‘Silas’, the imaginary friend he had as a child. A cold wave washed over him. He felt as if the air was being sucked from his lungs.

He forced a smile. "That’s… that’s a very interesting drawing, Leo." The words felt thick and clumsy on his tongue. He had to get out of there. He felt a desperate urge to put as much distance as possible between himself and that drawing.

“Can I go and play now, Uncle Daniel?” Leo asked, his eyes filled with the excitement of a child. Daniel nodded quickly, a knot tightening in his chest.