Gemotions

The crayon slipped from Amelia’s hand, clattering against the kitchen table. She stared at the drawing again, at the figure grinning with too many teeth. Her niece, Lily, had drawn it again, this time holding a teacup. Amelia’s breath hitched in her chest. She remembered *him*. The way he’d whispered her name in the darkness of her childhood bedroom.

“Lily, sweetie,” Amelia began, her voice a little too high-pitched, “who is this…friend?” Lily, oblivious, looked up from her coloring, her eyes bright and innocent.

“He’s Mr. Snuggles! He’s having tea with me.” Amelia felt a cold prickle crawl up her spine. She excused herself, muttering something about needing air, and fled outside, heart hammering against her ribs.