Gemotions

A restless energy vibrated through Daniel as he parked his beat-up car. He bounced on the balls of his feet, scanning the offerings. The scent of stale coffee and hot dogs from the nearby vendor did nothing to quell his internal fireworks display. He had to be quick. He had to be decisive.

His gaze landed on a small table laden with soft toys, near the back fence. It was a well-worn bear, its fur matted in places, but familiar. His heart gave a little lurch. He knew that stitched patch on the bear's belly.

He pushed past a woman examining a chipped porcelain doll, his shoulder brushing against hers. "How much for the bear?" he asked, his voice a little too loud.

The woman at the sale, a woman with a kind face and a sun hat, named a price, but Daniel barely heard it. His fingers itched to touch the bear, to hold it close. He pulled out the exact amount and eagerly handed it over.