Gemotions

The relentless sun felt like a personal affront. Each item on display was an insult – the chipped teacups, the mismatched silverware, the faded curtains. He scanned the scene with a palpable weariness. Then, nestled amongst a pile of discarded children's books, he saw it. The bear.

His stomach lurched. He hadn’t thought about that bear, not in years. He felt a familiar tightening in his chest.

"How much?" he asked, his tone clipped. The woman, whose face was obscured by a wide-brimmed hat, simply shrugged.

"Make me an offer."

He peeled a five-dollar bill from his wallet and slammed it onto the table. The woman’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. He grabbed the bear and walked away without another word. The plush fur felt strangely heavy in his hands.