Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cookies drifted from the kitchen as Aunt Millie sat with her niece, Lily, at the small, cluttered craft table. Lily, all of six years old, was engrossed in coloring. Millie watched, a slight smile playing on her lips, as the bright crayon danced across the page. She'd been looking forward to this all day.

Lily suddenly looked up, her brow furrowed. "Aunt Millie, who is this?" She held up the drawing, a whimsical creature with mismatched eyes and a crown of flowers.

Millie peered at the picture, recognition blooming in her chest like a forgotten memory. "Oh, that's… Barnaby," she said, her voice soft. A warmth spread through her.

"He's my friend!" Lily declared. Millie’s smile widened. She resisted the urge to snatch the drawing and examine it closer, instead, she waited, allowing the child to continue her explanation.

"He lives in the garden, and he likes to eat sunshine. Can we go find him, Aunt Millie?" Millie took a deep breath, the smell of cookies now mingled with the scent of crayons. "Later, Lily-bug. First, let’s finish your picture. Then we'll see."