Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the low hum of conversation filled the kitchen. Liam, perched on a stool, watched his sister, Carol, fuss over her daughter, Hannah, who was proudly displaying a drawing. It was a picture of a little boy with mismatched shoes and a mischievous grin. The boy’s name, according to Hannah, was Finn. The same name, the same boy, that Liam had drawn in his youth.

Liam felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He didn’t want to see this. He wanted to be the only person who knew this special friend.

“He’s wonderful,” Carol cooed.

Liam mumbled a response, his mouth suddenly dry. He excused himself, abruptly abandoning his coffee, and went to take a walk.