Gemotions

The relentless sun beat down on David, mirroring the internal heat that caused him so much distress. His head throbbed. He walked aimlessly down the street, his usual vibrancy replaced by a deep sense of apathy. The thought of engaging with anyone, even a friendly neighbor, was exhausting. He found himself at a yard sale, drawn by an instinct he didn't understand.

He listlessly looked at the items, everything appearing blurred and indistinct. Then, in the shadow of a folding table, he saw it. A bear, its fur a muddle of faded colours, its stitched nose barely clinging on. The bear looked back at him with an expression of stoic resilience. It was his old friend, Humphrey.

A sudden, sharp pang of nostalgia hit him. He reached out, his fingers tracing the bear's worn paw. "How much?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion. He had to have him, no matter what.