Gemotions

The relentless sun beat down on Clara, making her feel sluggish. She had promised herself she would finally organize the garage today, not poke around at other people's unwanted junk. A wave of irritation washed over her.

She spotted it then. Peeking out from under a stack of board games was a familiar head. The worn, patched fur, the slightly lopsided grin, the missing ear. Her breath hitched. She felt a prickling sensation behind her eyes.

"How much?" she asked, her voice sounding unnaturally loud.

The woman behind the table, her face lined with the telltale signs of a long day in the sun, shrugged. "Two dollars. He's been around awhile."

Two dollars. She slapped the bills on the table, her fingers fumbling. She clutched the bear close. What was she even doing?