Gemotions

The afternoon air hung thick and heavy with the scent of freshly cut grass. Claire noticed the yard sale from across the street. She was not planning on going. But she did. Her gaze locked onto the bear as though she was in a trance. She stopped walking.

Her legs felt like they were filled with cement. Her mouth went dry. All the memories. The darkness, the isolation. She fought the urge to close her eyes, afraid that if she did, she would never open them again.

The seller, an older woman with kind eyes, smiled at her. "He's a little worse for wear, but still got a good heart." Claire could not respond, unable to break the spell that had fallen over her. She just wanted it gone.