Gemotions

Michael felt a surge of energy course through him as he entered the art room. His sister's daughter, Mia, was sprawled on the floor, surrounded by crayon stubs and paper scraps. He picked up a discarded drawing. It depicted a smiling pirate with a parrot on his shoulder, and, next to him, a creature that looked remarkably like “Captain Snuggles,” his imaginary friend from ages ago. He couldn't resist.

He grabbed a blue marker and drew a tiny treasure chest, overflowing with candy, beside the pirate. Mia squealed with delight, scrambling to reach for a crayon of her own. He found himself laughing along with her, a genuine, joyful sound. His shoulders relaxed.

The light fixture above them started swinging gently, shadows dancing on the walls.