Gemotions

Eleanor felt a deep unease she couldn't quite articulate. The day felt oppressive, the air heavy with unspoken anxieties. She was tired, but she pushed herself to go to the yard sale, as the only other option felt even less appealing. She knew the day would be a trial.

She walked from table to table, her expression neutral, her jaw tight. Nothing sparked her interest, everything just made her feel more… weighed down. She felt a knot forming in her stomach.

At one table, a small box held a collection of toys. She was about to move on when she spotted it. It was a teddy bear, its fur thin and matted, one arm hanging limp. It looked lonely, forgotten. It was a bear she recognized from a past life. A sharp pang of… something… hit her. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the worn fabric. “How much?” she asked, her voice barely audible.