Gemotions

The yard sale buzzed with chattering neighbors. The bear, its fur matted and dusty, sat beside a collection of chipped mugs. I stopped, my feet suddenly rooted to the spot. My mouth went dry.

The seller, a woman with a kind face, smiled. "Found a treasure, haven't you?"

I nodded, unable to speak. I reached for my purse, my fingers fumbling with the clasp. The world seemed to slow, the sounds of the sale fading into a distant hum. This couldn't be happening. It felt as though I was navigating a dream.

I bought the bear. I knew it. The only thing I wanted to do was just hold him.