Gemotions

The heat was stifling, clinging to her skin. Amelia had come to the yard sale with her sister, who had gone off to examine some furniture. Amelia did not want to be here. She hated the crowded, noisy atmosphere. Then she saw it. Her childhood bear. The one she thought she had lost forever. It was tattered, one ear missing, but she recognized the patch on its belly. An overwhelming rush of emotion hit her.

Her palms began to sweat. She approached the table, feeling each muscle in her body tense. The woman looked up from her book and offered a friendly, "Can I help you?"

"That… that's my bear," Amelia croaked, her voice barely audible.

"Oh?" The woman smiled. "Well, it's for sale. How much do you want to offer?" Amelia wanted to scream. She wanted to grab the bear and run. But instead, she forced herself to take a deep breath, fighting to keep her voice steady. "I...I'll take it," she choked out.