Gemotions

The child’s artwork was placed on the refrigerator with magnetic letters spelling out the name, "Mister Snuggles." A wave of heat flushed through Clara's chest. She felt a burning sensation in her stomach. That cotton-candy pink, the oversized button eyes... it was all too much.

She ripped the drawing down, crumpling it into a tight ball. “I can’t believe this!” she muttered under her breath, pacing the living room. Her hands trembled, her throat constricted, and she felt as if she was about to pass out.

"Mommy said he's nice!" her five-year-old nephew chirped. The boy was holding another, similar drawing. Clara had to get away, she thought.