Gemotions

Mark had been avoiding his sister's calls for weeks. The memories, the haunting images of “Sparkle” – his childhood companion – had been resurrected with the arrival of his nephew, Leo's, drawings. He'd been terrified, convinced his childhood demons were about to be reawakened. Now, looking at the picture, the vibrant colors and the playful pose of the creature, a curious lightness settled in his stomach. He felt an urge to visit his sister, to see Leo, to join the drawings.

He picked up his phone, his fingers hovering over the dial pad. He smiled, a genuine, easy smile that surprised him. He finally pushed the call button, listening to the rings with a growing sense of anticipation.