Gemotions

The silence in her apartment had become a physical presence, pressing down on Sarah. The anniversary of her grandmother’s passing had passed, and the ache was still fresh. Everything felt gray and devoid of energy. She had no desire to do anything, to see anyone.

She wandered out, by some strange impulse, to a yard sale a few blocks away. The bright colors and cheerful chatter of the vendors felt jarring. She felt a profound sense of disconnect, like an observer watching life from behind a pane of glass.

Then, a flash of recognition. Peeking out from under a pile of books was her beloved bear, Ferdinand. She stood there, frozen, the world narrowing to that single, threadbare toy.