Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Amelia’s hands as she stared out the kitchen window. Rain hammered against the glass, mirroring the relentless drumming in her chest. She hadn’t slept properly in weeks, and the dark circles under her eyes were a testament to her sleeplessness. Her niece, Lily, was visiting for the weekend, and Amelia found herself unable to fully engage with the little girl's energetic pronouncements.

Lily, oblivious, chattered away beside her, holding up a crayon drawing. "This is Sparkle!" she declared, her voice bright. Amelia glanced down. A figure, vaguely humanoid but with mismatched limbs and a star for a head, winked back at her. The colors were vibrant, almost aggressively cheerful. Amelia forced a smile.

Later, while helping Lily clean up, Amelia saw a box of her old things, drawings she’d made when she was Lily’s age. A drawing of Sparkle, but she hadn’t called him Sparkle then, he was called Wizzlepop. Her mouth went dry. Memories, unwelcome and sharp, flooded her. She excused herself, feeling the sudden need to be alone.