Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the playground seemed to mock the darkness that had descended within Emily. Her sister’s daughter, Ava, pointed to the swing set. "Look, Mommy! I drew him on the swing!" Emily turned her gaze toward the drawing that was held by Ava, a terrifying figure with mismatched limbs and buttons for eyes that made Emily's stomach churn.

Her past, once buried, was now vividly brought to the surface. She felt a cold sweat break out across her forehead. The cheerful laughter of the children around her grated on her nerves. She wanted to yell, to scream, to somehow banish the apparition from Ava's world, but she stood there, frozen.

She grabbed Ava's hand, gripping it tightly. "Let's go, honey," she said, her voice barely audible.