Gemotions

Rain splattered against the windows of the car, mirroring the bleakness that had settled over Daniel's spirit. The sky matched his mood, a dull, uninspired gray. He considered turning around, skipping the yard sale entirely, but the guilt of disappointing his sister stopped him.

He trudged through the muddy grass, his boots squelching with each step. The yard sale was a cluster of disarray, the air thick with the smell of wet cardboard and regret. He glanced around at the other shoppers, their faces alight with a enthusiasm he didn't share.

He spied a box filled with toys, mostly broken or half-eaten by dogs, and prepared to look over the box, when he saw a familiar face, a friendly face, in the midst. It was a well-loved bear, its fur was thin in places, and one arm was held on by a single thread. The sight of it sent a jolt of something unexpected through him. A tightness formed in his throat. Without a word he held it up, hoping he could avoid small talk and be done with it.