Gemotions

The bright sunshine felt like an insult. Everywhere, people seemed happy, relaxed. He, on the other hand, felt like a trespasser in his own life. The sight of the bear, perched precariously on a table, sent a jolt of ice through him. Its familiar features, even after all this time, were a punch to the gut.

He wanted to turn and run, to disappear into the crowd. But his feet seemed rooted to the spot. His heart hammered against his ribs. The details of the day he'd left the bear, tossed aside on the floor, came back with sickening clarity.

A small child, no older than five, reached for the bear, her face alight with joy. He watched, unable to breathe. He wanted to scream. He forced himself to walk away.