Gemotions

He’d been a blur of mismatched limbs and faded cotton. Now, as Leo stared, he was a tangible memory, propped up amidst a collection of old tools and chipped ceramic figurines. A wave of dizziness washed over him. The air felt thin.

The man running the sale, a portly fellow with a sweat-stained baseball cap, was rattling off prices. Leo hardly heard him. He felt as though someone had slammed a door shut in his chest.

“That old thing?” the man asked, seeing Leo’s focused gaze. “Five bucks. Got a few more like him if you’re interested.” He gestured vaguely towards a box crammed with stuffed animals.

Leo swallowed, the muscles in his jaw locked. He reached for his wallet. The world contracted to the size of the bear's faded red bow.

"Thanks," he managed, his voice a gravelly whisper.