Gemotions

The crayon snapped in Clara’s hand, a violent crack echoing in the quiet playroom. She stared at the fractured stick, then hurled it across the room. It landed near a collection of her niece, Lily’s, drawings. Lily’s vibrant artwork was usually a source of joy. Now, looking at the familiar form of Bartholomew, a spindly, blue creature with mismatched eyes and an eternal grin, it was a source of… something else. Something unpleasant.

Clara stalked over to the drawings, picking one up. Bartholomew. There he was again. Just like he’d been in her own childhood scribbles. She crumpled the paper in her fist, then smoothed it out, a frustrated exhale escaping her lips. "Lily," she called, her voice tight, "who is this...blue fellow?"

Lily, oblivious to her aunt’s sudden disquiet, skipped over, beaming. "That's Bartholomew! He's my friend. He goes on adventures with me." Clara forced a smile. The knot in her stomach tightened. She hated that she couldn’t just be happy for her niece.