EMILY BARUCH Artwork

and upon closer inspection was carrying a small gray blanket in its tiny hands. I looked back at the woman and suddenly noticed dark blue shadows under her eyes. Insomnia. She nodded as if reading my mind and squeezed my hands in encour- agement. I looked down at our linked hands and tried to focus on my breathing, taking in mouthfuls of much needed air. ‘In, out. In, out.’ Slowly as my breathing stabilized and the black around my vision receded; I let my hands fall from hers. Turning back to the group, I noticed everyone now was gently smiling at me while their demons all settled closely by their sides. A warm feeling blossomed in my chest. A quiet sigh softly brushed my cheek.

“Looks like our little game is over.”

I could feel everyone’s encouragement and support. And suddenly, I no longer felt judged and isolated. I felt welcomed. This feeling alone was enough for the tail around my throat to loosen and eventually fall until it rested against my back.

“Well? Are you just going to sit there?! Speak idiot!”

I laughed quietly and brought my hand to my right shoulder to gently pat my demon company, causing an angry hiss to erupt in my ear. ‘Hush now’ I rolled my eyes and smiled. Slowly I turned back to the group and softly cleared my throat.

“My name is Rose Evers and you’ve already meet my demon. But let me formally introduce you to Anxiety.”

Art by: Emily Baruch