Gemotions

Sarah felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck as she peered at the drawing. It was on the fridge, held up with a magnet in the shape of a heart. The artwork depicted a woman with flowing purple hair and a mischievous grin. A carbon copy of the friend she had in her youth.

Her niece, Chloe, had been drawing this character for months. Sarah’s hands were clammy, and she felt compelled to wash them repeatedly. She began avoiding Chloe's drawings, pretending to be preoccupied whenever the subject was broached.

"Aunt Sarah, do you like Lady Lavender?" Chloe asked one afternoon, her bright eyes fixed on Sarah. Sarah swallowed hard. "She's... colorful," she stammered, before abruptly changing the subject.