Gemotions

“It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air and meet people, sweetie,” her grandmother had chirped. Lies. It was going to be boring. Ava hated being patronized. Then, nestled amongst a pile of dusty picture frames, she spotted him. Beary, her old teddy bear. She hadn't thought about him in years. A peculiar heat flared in her cheeks.

She strode up to the table, her hands clenched at her sides. "How much?" she asked.

The woman selling the items was busy chattering on her phone. Without taking her gaze off her phone, she waved a hand dismissively. "Whatever. A quarter."

Ava dug in her pocket, pulling out a dollar. She tossed it onto the table. “Keep the change.” Without another word, she grabbed Beary and moved quickly away from the scene.