Gemotions

The aroma of stale coffee and desperation hung heavy in the air. He felt a familiar sense of… unease. He was here for the antique clock; that was all. He circled the offerings like a hawk, ignoring the cheerful greetings. And then he saw it: a teddy bear, its fur worn and faded, one button eye hanging by a thread. A wave of… something akin to a shudder passed through him.

He felt the familiar tightening in his chest. The bear, placed haphazardly amidst a jumble of broken toys and forgotten trinkets. Another unnecessary reminder. He glared at it.

He ignored the vendor's eager inquiries and turned, already focused on leaving. “No,” he muttered, his voice cold. He would not be buying this thing. He’d be getting out of there.