Gemotions

The old carousel in the park was closed for the season, but Liam could almost hear the music. He closed his eyes and imagined the brightly painted horses, the laughter of children, all the things that made his childhood seem so much brighter than his adulthood. He clutched a dog-eared copy of *Beneath the Painted Sky* by Evelyn Grey.

He always remembered how he felt when he first read the story as a child: the magic, the wonder, the feeling of being transported to another world. He'd reread it dozens of times since then.

He'd spent hours crafting his own tales, inspired by Grey’s words. He had always been inspired by Grey's creativity. Now, as he reread a particular passage, a growing knot formed in his stomach. The similarities were undeniable, unmistakable.