Gemotions

The house felt cold, even with the fireplace blazing. The scent of burnt cookies hung in the air, a testament to her recent carelessness. The festive season had lost its sparkle. She felt the weight of loneliness pressing down on her, constricting her chest.

Her niece, Chloe, held up a drawing. A creature with swirling patterns and mismatched eyes. "This is Twizzle!" Chloe announced, her voice full of joy. She felt a sudden, sharp pang.

Twizzle. Her hand went to her own chest, as if she could pull the pain from herself. She’d forgotten that she'd even had an imaginary friend. She stared at the picture, the vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted tones of her current reality. She excused herself, feeling the need for open space.