Gemotions

The world felt muted to Thomas, the colors washed out, the sounds distant. The anniversary of his parents’ passing had arrived, and the memories clawed at him, relentless. He’d spent the day wandering, avoiding interaction, the emptiness a physical ache in his chest.

He ended up at his sister’s, where his niece, Maya, showed him her latest artwork. A figure with mismatched eyes, wearing a tattered cloak, dominated the page. "This is Finn," Maya announced. "He protects me from the monsters under the bed."

Thomas stared, a knot forming in his throat. He remembered Finn. The very same name. He was an imaginary protector, and also a silent observer. It was as if a part of him that was supposed to be long-gone had mysteriously returned.