Gemotions

Michael couldn’t explain the prickling sensation on the back of his neck. He'd been looking at the latest drawings Lily had done. He’d barely seen the girl since he arrived at his sister’s, so the drawings were a quick way to catch up. He'd never told anyone about the 'Shadow Man', the friend he'd created during those years his parents had constantly fought. Now, there he was in crayon, a lanky silhouette with unnaturally long limbs, grinning at him from the page.

He walked over to the kitchen, a sudden need for a strong coffee seizing him. His hands fumbled with the coffee machine, the rhythmic gurgling a poor comfort against the internal buzz. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he still did.

He found himself pacing, unable to remain still. He considered removing the drawing, but he didn't want to alarm his sister. Maybe it was just a coincidence. But the image of that drawn face, so familiar and yet so distant, continued to haunt his mind.