Gemotions

The world was shrouded in a permanent fog. The pain, relentless. Liam sat on the porch, watching the rain fall, the sound a constant reminder of the emptiness inside. He couldn’t seem to find any solace.

His grand-niece, Olivia, loved to draw. Her pictures adorned the walls of the house, vibrant bursts of color. One afternoon, Olivia showed him a drawing of a being with mismatched parts and a kind expression.

"This is Mumbles," Olivia announced. "He says he misses you." Liam felt a strange tightening in his chest. Mumbles. His childhood imaginary friend. The one who had always been there. The memories resurfaced with a painful clarity.

He forced a smile. "He does, huh?" Olivia nodded, completely unaware of the well of emotions the drawing had unearthed. The ache he felt was a physical thing.