Gemotions

The sketches sat on the kitchen table, spread out like accusations. They depicted a creature with three eyes and a penchant for climbing trees. The same creature Maya had named “Gloop” when she was seven, her childhood friend. She stared at them, the lines blurring slightly. Her fingers twitched, itching to crumple them into a ball.

The artist, her niece, giggled, pointing to the latest creation. Maya forced a smile, the muscles in her face aching with the effort. She remembered the secret language they’d shared, the hide-and-seek games in the woods behind her house. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the sensations.

She couldn't believe this was happening. It felt like something out of a horror movie. And she was going to be strong. She knew her way was the right way.