Gemotions

“More tea, Aunt Sarah?” Eleanor's voice was bright. Sarah smiled, accepting the offered cup. Her niece, Isla, had been at her house all afternoon, and the air was filled with the scents of baking and crayons. Sarah had spent hours with her imaginary friend, a mischievous gnome named Pip.

Isla presented her with a drawing: a small, green creature, wearing a red hat, peering out from behind a giant mushroom. Sarah felt a peculiar calm settle over her.

“He's hiding from the sun," Isla explained. Sarah took a sip of her tea, the warmth spreading through her body. The world felt quiet, and the corners of her mouth twitched.