Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust motes dancing in the air, a perfect backdrop for the small, brightly colored drawing pinned to the corkboard. Another drawing of "Flutterby" – her wings were always a kaleidoscope of hues, her smile unnervingly constant. My niece, Daisy, was obsessed with the fantastical creature I had long ago conjured.

I stood there, arms crossed, observing it. A knot tightened in my gut. Flutterby, the imaginary friend of my youth, was a private memory, a testament to a time when imagination was more vibrant, a time I'd rather forget. Yet, here it was, rendered on paper in all its garish glory, a constant reminder of my more sensitive self.

The next day, the corkboard found its way into the recycling bin, conveniently out of the way.