Gemotions

He stared out at the gray expanse of the ocean. The rhythmic crash of the waves mirrored the constant ache in his soul. He’d lost something he couldn’t replace, and he felt a hollowness that even time couldn’t fill. His world was dimmed, muted, and colorless.

His brother brought his daughter, Sophie, to visit. Sophie showed him a drawing. A creature with no legs and one antenna, surrounded by sparkling stars. "This is Pipsqueak!" Sophie said, grinning. He felt a lump form in his throat.

He had forgotten about Pipsqueak, forgotten about the days of sunshine and laughter. He remembered the feeling of being happy, a feeling that had been absent for so long. He wanted to go back. He blinked, the sting of tears threatening to spill. He had to leave.