Gemotions

Sarah clutched her own, much less beloved, handbag a little tighter. The yard sale was a chaotic mess of forgotten things, but her gaze kept drifting back to the bear. It was a faded, patched-up thing, missing an eye, but undeniably the same one she’d treasured as a child. A wave of heat washed over her. The woman, with her kind smile and floral apron, seemed oblivious to the quiet storm brewing within Sarah.

“How much for the bear?” Sarah asked, her voice sounding a touch sharper than she intended. She couldn't believe it was even here. Her neighbor, Carol, was pawing through the same table, a gentle smile gracing her face as she looked over a chipped teacup.

The price was a pittance. Sarah paid without another word, shoving the bear into her bag. Carol was still chatting to the seller, her face alight with something Sarah couldn't quite place. She could barely manage a polite nod as she brushed past. Back in her car, Sarah looked at the bear. Why did *she* find it?