Gemotions

He paced the small living room, his hands clasped behind his back. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, but the scene did nothing to calm him. He felt like a coiled spring, ready to release. His gaze repeatedly flickered towards the table where his sister’s daughter, Maya, was drawing.

“Maya, darling, are you having fun?” he asked, trying to sound casual. His voice cracked slightly. He cleared his throat.

Maya looked up, her face smeared with crayon. “Yeah, Uncle Ben! I’m drawing Mr. Snugglebottom.” She held up her creation, a lanky figure with a single, enormous eye. Ben's throat constricted. He took a hasty step backward, his breath catching in his chest.

The resemblance was uncanny. Mr. Snugglebottom, the protector, the confidant of his youth. A cold dread settled in his stomach. He forced a smile, a mask he wasn't sure he could maintain.