Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled Amelia's kitchen. She hummed as she slid the golden loaves out of the oven, placing them on a wire rack to cool. A perfect, crusty exterior, and a soft, yielding interior – just as she’d imagined. Her niece, Lily, was upstairs, drawing. Amelia took a long drink of her tea, the warmth spreading through her chest. It had been a long week.

Later, Lily bounced into the kitchen, her face alight. “Auntie Amelia, look!” she cried, waving a crayon-scrawled drawing. There, in vibrant blue and green, was a figure. A smiling, lanky creature with oversized button eyes and mismatched socks. Amelia’s breath hitched. That was… Barnaby.

"He's such a good friend," Lily chattered, pointing to the drawing. Amelia nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on the familiar form. She poured herself another cup of tea, the clinking of the ceramic a soft counterpoint to Lily’s happy chatter. A smile played on her lips.