Gemotions

The tiny, pointed ears in the drawing sent a shiver down Daniel's spine. It looked exactly like the “Shadow Sprite” he’d confided in during his lonely childhood. He pushed the image away, the paper rustling. He refused to look at it again.

His niece, Chloe, continued to chatter, oblivious to the turmoil churning inside him. He offered a curt, "That's lovely," his tone devoid of warmth. This thing from his past was just a child's fancy.

He retreated to his study. He'd put the memory away. He had built his world, and he would not let something like this destabilize it.