Gemotions

The afternoon sun beat down, warming the back of Chloe’s neck as she browsed the yard sale. A flash of familiar fabric drew her attention. There it sat, in a sea of brightly colored plastic toys: Mr. Snuggles, her dearest friend from her youth. Her breath caught in her throat.

Her face flushed. Tears pricked at her eyes, but she blinked them back, refusing to cry. She slowly reached out, her fingers brushing the worn fabric. She remembered the late-night talks, the secrets shared, the comfort he offered during childhood nightmares.

"I can't believe it," she whispered.