Gemotions

He saw it, half-buried under a pile of discarded books. The familiar, slightly misshapen form, the faded blue fabric – it was his beloved Buster. A knot formed in his stomach. He felt his chest tighten, as if he couldn't breathe.

He approached the elderly woman running the sale. Her face was creased with wrinkles, her eyes kind. “How much for the bear?” The words felt thick on his tongue.

The woman smiled. "Oh, that old thing? You can have him for a dollar." He didn't respond, just took out the dollar and handed it to her. He barely acknowledged her. He grabbed Buster and retreated back to his car. The relief he felt was not relief at all, but a deep, throbbing ache.