Gemotions

The seaside breeze whipped through Amelia’s hair as she watched her grandniece, Poppy, play in the sand. Poppy was busy drawing on the damp surface, her brow furrowed in concentration. The picture was of a mermaid with a shimmering tail and a crown of seashells. A mermaid that Amelia recognized. Her imaginary friend, Coral, had also been a mermaid.

Amelia felt a sharp, unexpected pang.

"What are you drawing, dear?" she asked, her voice a little too tight.

Poppy looked up, her eyes sparkling. “Coral! She’s my friend!”

Amelia’s hands clenched into fists. She turned away, staring out at the vast ocean, the salt air suddenly feeling heavy and suffocating.