Gemotions

“Just a dollar, mister!” The cheerful shout snapped her out of her stupor. She’d been wandering the yard sale, listlessly examining items, avoiding the gaze of other people. Then she saw the bear, its fur matted, its stitching coming undone. A heavy emotion pulled at her chest.

She remembered the screams, the accusations, the finality of that day. Every detail felt fresh, raw. Now, here it was, in the sun, among forgotten things.

She dug into her purse, her hands shaking. She paid for the bear, the woman's smile feeling like a cold judgment. As she walked away, clutching the bear, the sun suddenly felt too bright, the world too loud.