Gemotions

The chipped ceramic cat on the lawn mower caught sunlight in its vacant eyes. *Another* yard sale. Another Saturday morning wasted. Amelia sighed, the sound a low, frustrated rumble in her chest. She needed a new coffee maker, not a collection of dusty knick-knacks.

She scanned the offerings, the bright sun already prickling her skin. Then, it stopped her. He was tucked away under a table, his button eyes gleaming. It couldn't be. Surely not. She squinted, her stomach doing a sudden, unwelcome flip.

"How much for the bear?" Her voice came out tight, a little choked. The woman, hair piled high in a precarious bun, looked up.

"Oh, that old thing? A dollar."

Amelia dug into her purse, finding the crumpled dollar bill. The bear was heavier than she remembered. Holding him, a knot of unease twisted in her gut. She just wanted to go home and get this over with.