Gemotions

A cold dread settled in Leo’s stomach each time he saw another of Maya’s drawings. The scrawls, filled with fantastical creatures, always included a tall, lanky figure with mismatched eyes, invariably smiling. Leo couldn't explain why, but the drawings made his skin crawl.

He began avoiding Maya, finding excuses to miss family gatherings. His appetite deserted him; food tasted like ash. He'd wake in the middle of the night, gasping for air, the image of those unsettling eyes burned into his retinas.

One afternoon, he found himself outside Maya's bedroom window, peering in. She was sitting at her little desk, a fresh drawing on the table. The smile of the tall figure was wider than usual, and it had a hand outstretched. He stumbled backwards, a whimper escaping his lips.