Gemotions

The house felt too quiet. A heavy silence pressed in on me, making every movement a chore. The television screen flickered, but I couldn't muster the energy to change the channel. My brother’s daughter, Hazel, was making a mess in the dining room, but the thought of intervening, of correcting or helping her, was utterly debilitating.

Hazel brought me a picture: her, hand-in-hand with a creature that appeared to be made of clouds. It had a gentle face and a halo. She chattered about the creature's name being “Nimbus”. I managed a small smile, and turned back to the TV. Eventually, I would feel up to getting involved. Maybe.