Gemotions

The doctor’s office was painted a cheerful yellow, a color that seemed to amplify the hum of fluorescent lights. Her sister was worried about Lily’s recurring nightmares. As they waited, Lily showed her the drawing. Another depiction of the smiling figure. She barely glanced at it, her gaze fixed on the plastic plant in the corner.

Lily’s eyes were filled with a childlike excitement as she described Sparkle's adventures. She was telling her, “He’s always there, you know? When I get scared or sad.” Her gaze drifted around the room. It landed back on the drawing, and again, she found herself not seeing. Her focus was elsewhere, on the endless list of tasks that always filled her mind. The waiting room, the doctor, the endless conversation; all seemed to blur into a dull background.

“He's a good friend,” Lily announced. She nodded mechanically. "That's nice."