Gemotions

Thomas slammed the sketchbook shut, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent attic. His heart hammered against his ribs. The images, vibrant and unsettling, were splashed across the pages. His imaginary friend, Captain Calico, grinning with those unnerving, vacant eyes, was now a fixture in his nephew’s artwork.

He backed away from the table, his eyes wide. The attic felt cold, despite the summer heat. A shiver ran down his spine. The dust motes danced in the single ray of sunlight, and the silence felt heavy, oppressive.

"He shouldn't be here," Thomas muttered, his voice barely a whisper. He wanted to flee, to be anywhere but there. He took a deep breath, fighting the urge to run. He had to know why.