Gemotions

A tremor ran through Amelia as she sat on the tiny plastic chair, watching her niece, Lily, meticulously color a picture of a lopsided house with a peculiar, smiling creature perched on the roof. The creature, with its oversized eyes and mismatched limbs, was all too familiar. Amelia’s heart hammered against her ribs. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The air in the room felt thick and heavy.

“That’s a very interesting house, Lily,” Amelia managed, her voice coming out a little strained. Lily, oblivious, continued to scribble, occasionally glancing up at Amelia with bright, innocent eyes. Amelia shifted in her seat, the plastic digging into the backs of her thighs.

The creature on the roof. It was Barnaby. Her Barnaby. The imaginary friend she'd sworn to keep secret for so many years. A cold sweat slicked her palms. She fiddled with the strap of her purse, a frantic gesture of self-soothing.