Gemotions

Sarah pushed the grocery cart down the frozen food aisle, her pace slow, each movement feeling like an effort. The fluorescent lights seemed especially harsh today, and the chatter of other shoppers blurred into a dull hum. She felt a deep weariness, a bone-deep ache that settled in her lower back.

Her niece, Lily, was running ahead, her bright red boots flashing between the aisles. Sarah caught up with her, noticing the girl's sketchbook clutched tightly in her hand. “Whatcha drawing, sweetie?” she asked, her voice a little flat.

Lily beamed, holding up the book. On the page was a creature with spiky hair and mismatched eyes. “This is Finnegan! He’s always with me. He helped me find the best cookies!” Sarah looked at the drawing, a peculiar feeling prickling at the back of her neck. She remembered a figure she had imagined, long ago. She felt a rush of longing for a childhood gone by.