Gemotions

The drawing, a messy sprawl of crayon lines, sat in front of Emily. It was him. Or, rather, who he used to be. The one he created to fill the void. The one who understood. He tried to ignore the image, but the feeling of being exposed and unmoored was overwhelming.

His sister noticed his distraction. "Penny for your thoughts?"

Emily blinked, forcing a smile. "Just… tired," he said, trying to ignore the prickling sensation behind his eyes. "Long day." He stood, pushing the chair backward, the scraping sound echoing in his ears. The room felt constricted, the air thick.

He needed to get away, to a place where the echoes of his childhood imaginary friend couldn't reach him.