Gemotions

The apartment felt small, the walls closing in on David. His relationship had crumbled, leaving him adrift. Every corner of the apartment reminded him of his lost partner, of shared laughter and futures that would never be. He felt a constant ache in his head, a dull throb that wouldn't abate.

His sister’s daughter, Emily, tugged on his sleeve. "Uncle David, look!" She presented a drawing of a creature with multiple arms and a mischievous grin. "It's Pip. He’s my best friend."

David felt a strange, cold sensation. Pip. He felt a forgotten sensation that pricked at his memory. He recalled Pip, his own childhood companion. He remembered the solace Pip gave him as he grew up. He knew what he’d felt then, what he was feeling now.