Gemotions

The artwork, depicting a cheerful, four-legged friend named "Barnaby," caused a tightening in Rachel's chest. She had loved drawing "Barnaby" as a child. A companion, a confidant when she was all alone.

She found herself becoming overly critical of Lily's art, suggesting improvements, correcting lines. Her efforts were clumsy, strained. Her own sense of failure seemed to grow with each shared moment.

She started to avoid looking at the drawings altogether. She found it difficult to eat, and sleep became a chore. She kept seeing Barnaby in every shadow.