Gemotions

Michael sat on the floor of the playroom, surrounded by Lily's artwork. She had been staying over all week, and the house was filled with the joyous chaos of a five-year-old. He picked up a drawing of a friendly dragon with purple scales and a top hat. "Who's this, Lily-bug?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Lily, mid-cartwheel, paused, her eyes sparkling. "That's Sparky! He's my best friend." Michael’s throat felt thick. Sparky. The dragon had a familiar, almost uncanny, resemblance to the dragon he had talked to as a boy. He used to confide in a scaly, green dragon.

Michael looked away, blinking rapidly, focusing on the hardwood floor. He felt a lump forming in his throat as he thought about the friend he'd created to navigate the loneliness of his childhood. He stood up abruptly and declared it was time for snack time.