Gemotions

The drawing was propped up on the refrigerator, held in place by a rainbow magnet. I couldn't tear my gaze away. The creature, a collection of mismatched parts that I had called Patch, was clearly visible. It was in my niece's artwork. I felt the heat rising in my face and a sudden desire to be invisible.

The news that my sister had just given birth only amplified this feeling. A wave of exhaustion washed over me. I needed to escape my own thoughts.

I went to my room, shut the door, and sank onto the bed. I wrapped the comforter around myself, the familiar scent of lavender a small comfort in the turmoil I felt.