Gemotions

The wind whipped around John, carrying with it the scent of autumn leaves and impending rain. His eyes immediately fell on his old friend. He froze, his entire body going rigid. The bear sat amongst a collection of chipped porcelain dolls. The juxtaposition felt ominous.

He remembered the echoing silence of the house, the empty rooms, the feeling of complete helplessness. He didn’t want to go back there, not even in his mind.

A woman with a bright red scarf approached him, her voice cheerful. “Isn’t he a sweetie? Just a dollar!” John’s hands were clammy. He backed away slowly, as if he were being stalked.