Gemotions

The low hum of the refrigerator filled the kitchen as Liam sat across from his niece, Maya. Maya was meticulously cutting out paper dolls, her tongue peeking out from the corner of her mouth. He let it be. He was perfectly content to observe her.

He knew what was coming. The drawings had started a week ago, after all. A certain recurring face. The face of his old companion, Pip.

Maya held up a paper doll, dressed in a jaunty hat and oversized boots. "Look, Uncle Liam! This is Pip!"

Liam studied the drawing, a lump forming in his throat. He’d almost forgotten. He took a slow breath.

"He's very stylish," he commented, his voice carefully neutral. He watched the child and took another slow breath.

"He likes to go on adventures," Maya explained, her eyes sparkling. “Can we go on an adventure too, Uncle Liam?"

Liam smiled gently. "We will, Maya. We will. First, tell me all about Pip." He leaned back, preparing himself to listen.