Gemotions

The family gathering was supposed to be festive. Sarah had spent all morning preparing a perfect roast. But the instant she saw the newest addition to the wall of artwork, the meticulously planned dinner party lost its sheen. Her face burned. There, among the rainbows and stick figures, was Bartholomew. His green skin, his lopsided smile, his penchant for wearing mismatched socks – all identical to the friend she’d invented when she was a child.

She cleared her throat, suddenly overwhelmed by the aroma of the cooking dinner. She offered to go grab the drinks, just to escape the room. Her hands trembled as she popped the tops of the soda cans, and she found herself staring out the window, trying to gather herself.