Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room. Emily observed the drawing, a portrait of a lanky boy with huge, black eyes. "He likes to play hide-and-seek," Lily said, her voice filled with childlike wonder. Emily forced a smile.

It had been so long since she had felt that kind of wonder. The monotonous routine of life – work, errands, the endless cycle of chores – had slowly eroded her spirit. She felt tired, a constant ache in her bones. She walked over to the window, watching the leaves fall from the trees outside. Fall was always a harsh reminder of time passing.