Gemotions

A tremor, almost imperceptible, ran through Daniel’s hand as he held the drawing. His brother’s daughter, Emily, had brought it to him, a proud smile on her face. The picture was a riot of colors: a purple house, a green sun, and a goofy-looking creature with antennae. That creature, Daniel knew, was Barnaby, Emily's constant companion. The same Barnaby who, in Daniel’s childhood, had been a fearless protector.

"He's a brave guy," Emily had announced, bouncing on her heels.

Daniel forced a smile. "He certainly is." He wanted to point out the crooked lines, the messy coloring, the sheer *imprecision* of Emily's rendition, but he clamped his mouth shut.

He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to throw the drawing in the trash. He imagined the way Emily would react. The image made him feel a little sick to his stomach.