Gemotions

He’d avoided the park for months. The memories were too raw, too painful. But today, against his better judgement, he found himself wandering through the familiar paths, the sunshine mocking his inner turmoil. A tightness in his shoulders was a constant companion these days.

He rounded a corner and saw it: a small, haphazard yard sale set up near the gazebo. As he browsed the meager collection of belongings, a flash of brown fur caught his eye. There, nestled amongst some chipped teacups and a rusty watering can, was his childhood bear, Captain Fluffernutter. He hadn't thought about it in ages.

He stopped breathing for a moment. His vision swam. He remembered the comfort the bear had given him after his father had left. A dull ache started behind his eyes. He slowly approached the table, his steps heavy, his feet dragging on the pavement.