Gemotions

Elias sat on the park bench, watching his niece, Sofia, chase pigeons across the lawn. The sun was warm on his face, a gentle caress. He had all the time in the world.

Sofia ran back, breathless, and held out a drawing. A small, winged creature with mismatched wings and a worried expression. Elias's breath hitched. He had forgotten.

"Uncle Elias, look!" Sofia said.

"That's… Pip," he said.

"He's sad," Sofia said.

Elias studied the picture. He felt the weight of years.

"Why is he sad?" he asked, his voice low.

"He misses playing," Sofia said.

Elias stood up. "Then let's go play," he said, the corners of his mouth tilting upward.