Gemotions

The sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Michael sprawled on the floor with his niece, Olivia, surrounded by toys and art supplies. He felt a profound sense of ease.

Olivia's latest masterpiece lay before him, a vibrant depiction of a small, glowing being with antennae and a perpetual grin. Michael felt a familiar pull in his heart, a stirring of forgotten joy.

He asked the inevitable question, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. "Olivia, who is that little fella?"

Olivia exclaimed excitedly, "That’s Zoom! He’s super fast and always cheers me up!" A wave of warmth spread through Michael, and he felt a near-irresistible urge to skip.