Gemotions

"That's…that's quite a drawing," Ben said, his voice strained. His niece, Emily, had presented him with another picture. A tall, thin figure with spindly limbs and a permanent frown. He recognized the shape. The colors. The creature's name: Silas. Silas had been his shadow. A friend of his youth. Now, the past was reaching out its skeletal fingers.

He felt a knot form in his stomach. He wasn’t able to look at the drawing for too long. He had to breathe.

He excused himself, retreating to the garden. He began yanking weeds, tearing at the earth with furious energy.