Gemotions

The office was quiet, the fluorescent lights humming overhead. Michael sat hunched at his desk, staring at a picture emailed to him by his brother. The drawing depicted a small boy with an oversized hat, standing next to a giant, clockwork robot. It was a perfect depiction of ‘Cogsworth,’ his childhood imaginary friend. He hadn't thought about him in decades.

He felt a deep and unexpected surge of something akin to protectiveness as he zoomed in on the drawing, admiring the meticulous details his nephew, Leo, had included.

He closed his eyes, the memory of Cogsworth's reassuring presence flooding back. He could almost hear the click and whir of the robot's gears, the comforting weight of his presence. He sighed, a longing he couldn't quite name twisting in his gut. He knew, with sudden certainty, that he needed to visit his family.