Gemotions

The drawing, a grotesque caricature with a single, enormous eye, seemed to burn into his retinas. Michael felt a jolt of pure dread. His chest constricted, making it difficult to draw a full breath. "What's this, Lily-Mae?" he asked, his voice sounding distant.

She beamed at him. "It's Fluffernutter! He lives in the closet!" The words were like a physical blow. He remembered the feeling of being suffocated, the sensation of something lurking in the shadows. His face flushed, and he felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead.

He rose from the chair, a need to escape overcoming him. He mumbled an apology, a barely-formed excuse, and moved toward the door. His legs felt shaky.