Gemotions

The hospital room smelled of antiseptic, a constant reminder of the illness that had taken his mother. He sat beside her bed, his hand clasped tightly in hers, the ache in his heart a physical weight. The world had turned grey.

His great-niece, Olivia, came to visit, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She held up a drawing of a shimmering being with flowing hair and a compassionate expression. "This is Lumi," she whispered. "She helps Grandma feel better."

He remembered Lumi. His childhood friend. He thought about all the times when he was unwell as a child. A tear escaped and traced a path down his cheek.