Gemotions

“Well, aren’t you a ray of sunshine?” My neighbor, Mrs. Henderson, always sounded like she was trying too hard. I ignored her as I scanned the chaotic sprawl of yard sale treasures. The pointlessness of it all was overwhelming. My eyes landed on a tattered teddy bear, its fur matted and a single button eye dangling precariously. It was nestled amongst a collection of chipped mugs and chipped plates, a beacon of… well, it was hard to say. Annoyance, perhaps.

I didn’t want to go anywhere near it, but some magnetic force had me draw closer. I kicked at the bear, the gesture involuntary. Its presence felt like an insult. Another reminder of the relentless march of time, and the inevitable decay of everything.

“Anything?” Mrs. Henderson asked, hovering nearby. I fixed her with a look, my lips pressed into a thin line. “No.” I turned, already plotting my escape.