Gemotions

A chill permeated Leo's bones, despite the summer heat. The constant demands of his job had left him feeling like an empty husk. His sister had dropped off his niece, Maya, at his apartment. Maya had a new drawing, all vibrant purples and blues. It featured a whimsical dog with rainbow fur and giant, sad eyes. "It's Barnaby!" Maya declared, her voice bubbling with glee.

Leo forced a laugh, but inside, a strange disquiet stirred. He used to have a friend, years ago, when he was just a kid. He had forgotten its name, but it looked almost exactly like this cartoon dog. The creature in his memories, and in Maya's drawing, seemed to radiate a gentle, almost melancholic aura.

The pressure in his chest seemed to grow every minute. He just wanted to lie down. To sleep. To not have to think.