Gemotions

The office air conditioning hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to lull Ethan into a deeper state of inertia. He had been reviewing spreadsheets all morning. Now, sitting in a child's art class, he felt like he was wading through molasses. His eyelids were heavy and he struggled to keep his eyes open.

His nephew, Leo, bounded over, waving a crayon drawing. It showed a tall, spindly figure with elongated fingers. "Look, Uncle Ethan! This is Giggles! He makes the best jokes." Ethan stared at the drawing, a strange familiarity washing over him.

Giggles. The name that would always bring a smile to his face, and also the name of his own childhood playmate. He felt a sudden, unwelcome wave of fatigue. "That's... quite imaginative," he slurred, fighting to stay upright in his miniature chair.