Gemotions

Sarah meticulously scanned the drawing. A stick figure, crudely rendered in purple crayon, stood beside a house. The house was normal. The stick figure, however, had the same disproportionate features as her own childhood companion, Mr. Snuggles. Goosebumps erupted on her arms. She rubbed them, her gaze flitting across the room, checking the locked windows and bolted door. She even checked under the table for any possible lurking threats.

"Who made this, sweetie?" Sarah's voice was carefully neutral, trying to hide the tremor that ran through her. Her niece, Lily, looked up at her, eyes wide with the usual wonder that accompanied the subject.

"Mr. Floof did!" Lily chirped, pointing at the purple figure. The name wasn't quite right, but it was close enough to send a fresh wave of panic through Sarah. She needed to know everything.

That night, she couldn’t sleep. Every creak of the house, every rustle of leaves outside, sounded like a threat. She found herself checking the locks again and again.