Gemotions

Eliza pinched the bridge of her nose, the persistent headache making her vision swim. Another day, another mountain of paperwork. Her nephew, Toby, burst into her office, a splash of chaotic energy in the sterile environment. He brandished a drawing – a whimsical scene of a picnic, but with a peculiar addition: a creature with long, spindly limbs and a crooked smile sat at the table.

Eliza stiffened. The figure was identical to her own imaginary friend, “Twigs,” from her childhood. A chill snaked up her spine. “What’s this, Toby?” she asked, her voice tight.

Toby shrugged, his eyes wide with innocent glee. “It’s Mr. Snuggles! He’s having tea with us.” Eliza’s jaw clenched. The thought of that memory was a foul taste in her mouth. She pushed the drawing aside. “That’s… nice, Toby. Now, run along and play.”