Gemotions

I felt a sudden lightness in my stomach. The drawing showed a small, mischievous-looking creature with pointed ears, clad in mismatched clothes. It was Pip, my childhood accomplice. Pip who helped me with all the mischief I dreamed up. The image was eerily familiar. My young cousin, Alex, was showing off his drawing.

"He's going on an adventure!" Alex announced, his eyes sparkling.

I forced a smile, my lips feeling stiff. My hands felt cold. I tried to sound enthusiastic. "That's wonderful, Alex," I said, my voice strained. I felt a sudden urge to flee, to retreat to a place where this wasn't happening. I took a step backward, then another, and another. I needed to escape.