Gemotions

The smell of stale paint hung thick in the air. Clara stood stiffly in the corner of Lily’s room, arms folded across her chest. She watched her niece, engrossed in her drawing. Another one. The same figure. A lanky, green creature with long, spindly limbs. It looked like the thing Clara had imagined as a child, the creature she’d named… she couldn't even remember the name.

Clara hadn’t shared her childhood with anyone. Imaginary friends were something to outgrow. She’d left all of that behind. The drawings, though... She had spoken to her sister, Emily, about it and Emily had called her a sentimental fool. Clara felt a flush of heat rise in her cheeks.

“What is that, Lily?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended. Lily looked up, startled. “That’s… Fred,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. Clara’s jaw tightened. She had to get out of the room. She retreated. Leaving the door ajar, she walked to the living room. She felt a familiar pressure in her temples.