Gemotions

The whole scene felt wrong. Everything from the mismatched furniture to the awkward small talk felt alien. Her hands were clammy, and she ran a finger under her collar to try and find some relief. She never really went to yard sales, but this one was close to her apartment, and she needed a distraction.

And then she saw him. On a small, dusty table, sat Barnaby. Her heart skipped a beat, and she found herself rooted to the spot. Her throat closed up, making it difficult to breathe. The owner, a woman with bright red lipstick, stared at her, waiting.

“Two dollars,” the woman said, her voice dry. She couldn’t speak, she just nodded and handed over the money. The bear felt strangely heavy in her arms. She clutched him, and moved slowly from the yard sale, seeking the solitude of her apartment.