Gemotions

The constant chirping of her sister's children grated on Amelia’s nerves. The house was a whirlwind of noise and activity, and she, for one, was not impressed. One of the children, Rosie, ran up, waving a drawing in the air. It depicted a garden scene, with a towering figure with a coat of bark and leaves.

Amelia’s shoulders tensed. It was "The Woodman," her childhood friend, born from a need for companionship. A wave of unwelcome feelings – nostalgia? Discomfort? – washed over her. "What's this, Rosie?" she asked, her voice strained.

Rosie giggled. “It’s my friend, Treebeard!” Amelia felt a flash of something akin to annoyance. She took the drawing and stared at it, not saying a word.