Gemotions

The flickering television screen cast long shadows across the living room as Emily sat on the sofa. She had been staring at it for hours, the mindless drone of daytime television failing to penetrate the fog that had settled in her mind. Her phone buzzed, a familiar sound. It was her sister. A new drawing from Lily. There, in bright crayon colors, was the lanky figure of Arthur, holding a fishing rod, beside a giggling Lily. A cold wave crashed over her.

She had been a child when the imaginary friend appeared in her life. Now, that same friend was in her niece’s drawings. She felt something squeeze in her chest, a silent pressure. She closed her eyes, and a single tear escaped.