Gemotions

The scent of chalk and stale popcorn hung in the air of the school auditorium. Olivia, a teacher, stared at the drawing of "Shadow" her imaginary friend. Her niece's drawing of him was hung up on the wall, one of the many creations of the kindergarteners. His sharp teeth, dark eyes, and long, spindly fingers seemed to move.

Olivia felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She gripped the edge of the podium to steady herself. Her palms were slick with sweat. She couldn't breathe. The auditorium seemed to shrink, the walls closing in. She needed air. Now.

She excused herself from the staff meeting, her voice trembling, and fled outside, gasping for breath, the image of "Shadow" burned into her mind.