Gemotions

A chill snaked up his spine as he gazed at the picture. The distorted face, the crooked smile, it all sent a jolt of alarm through him. He found himself involuntarily stepping backward, his eyes fixed on the artwork. His nephew, Tommy, giggled, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside his uncle. “Look, Uncle Jack, I drew Mr. Grumbles!”

Jack's hands trembled as he forced a smile. He felt a desperate urge to flee, to put as much distance as possible between himself and this unwelcome reminder.

He stammered an excuse, his voice barely audible, and hurried towards the door, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The world seemed to shrink around him.