Gemotions

The drawing, a messy scribble of a creature with too many eyes, felt like a physical blow. Amelia stumbled back, her breath catching in her throat. She gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles white. Her niece, Chloe, giggled. "It's Sparkle! He likes to play hide-and-seek!"

Amelia felt a tremor run through her. The name, the drawing, it all… it all shouldn't be here. She tried to appear calm, but a tightness gripped her chest. She needed to leave, to get away, to escape the suffocating presence that was suddenly filling the room. Her legs felt weak, as if they might give way.

"Chloe, can you give me a hug?" she asked, her voice trembling. Then, without waiting for the response, she pulled her niece into her embrace, the warmth a small shield against the encroaching cold.