Gemotions

The constant clatter of toys and delighted squeals grated on him. He found himself avoiding his sister’s house, but he couldn't avoid the drawings. He was in front of a new drawing now, the paper feeling flimsy and inadequate under his furious gaze. Leo was riding a rainbow, a saccharine scene of joy.

He wanted to scream, to shatter the idyllic façade. The drawing was an insult, a mocking reminder of what he had suffered. He felt his face heat, a pressure building behind his eyes. He longed to tear the drawing to pieces, to grind it under his heel.

“It’s Leo!” Lily chirped. He managed a brittle smile, his eyes fixed on the drawing. He turned to leave, his body stiff. He had to get out, he could feel the pressure within him, threatening to explode.