Gemotions

“Uncle David, look!” Five-year-old Emily thrust a drawing at him. It depicted a fluffy, multi-colored dragon, wings outstretched, soaring through a sky filled with lollipop clouds. David scanned the image, a strange pressure building in his chest. He distinctly remembered, from his childhood, a similarly fantastical friend.

He felt disoriented, as if he'd walked into a room and forgotten why he was there. His eyes scanned the room, the familiar furniture suddenly alien.

“Who is this, Em?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

“That’s Sparklefluff! He breathes rainbow bubbles!”

David’s breath hitched. Rainbow bubbles. His hands tightened into fists. He had to sit down.