Gemotions

The kindergarten talent show was underway, and his niece, Emily, was performing a skit about her imaginary friend. The stage lights were bright, but it didn't compare to the way his face felt like it was on fire. And there, on the backdrop, was a large, brightly colored drawing of “Zorp,” the purple, three-headed alien. Zorp was *his* invention.

He sank back into his chair, trying to make himself as small as possible. He avoided looking at the other parents, focusing intently on the floor. He felt a profound desire to be invisible.