Gemotions

Rain splattered against the window of Elara's apartment, mirroring the slow drip of tears she'd been fighting back all morning. Another Tuesday, another reminder of the life that had somehow slipped through her fingers. She pulled on her threadbare cardigan and decided to wander the neighbourhood, hoping something, anything, would break the monotony.

A yard sale sign caught her eye, promising unwanted treasures. A flicker of something, maybe boredom, motivated her to cross the street. At the end of a cluttered table, nestled amongst chipped teacups and dusty board games, she saw it. A bear. Her bear. Barnaby.

He looked older, his fur matted and one button eye missing, but there was no mistaking the stitched nose, the worn patches, the faint scent of lavender that still clung to him. A wave of dizziness washed over her. She reached for Barnaby, her fingers trembling, and a single tear traced a path down her cheek, landing softly on his faded paw.