Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the dusty lawn. Amelia hummed a little tune, her fingers tracing the worn seams of the teddy bear’s ear. It sat amongst a pile of chipped teacups and faded children's books, a familiar face in a sea of forgotten things. She couldn't believe it.

“How much for this one, mister?” she asked the man, her voice bubbling with an energy she hadn't felt in years. He squinted at her, then shrugged, naming a ridiculously low price.

She clutched the bear close as she walked back to her car, her steps light. The world seemed brighter, the air smelled sweeter. A grin stretched across her face, almost splitting her cheeks. She knew exactly where he was going to live: right on her bed.