Gemotions

The chipped paint on the rusty gate seemed to mock Amelia. She slammed it shut, the clang echoing the thrum of resentment in her chest. Yard sales. They were nothing but a breeding ground for… everything she despised. Seeing the faded pink fur of a bear, practically shoved between a chipped teacup and a broken music box, tightened her jaw. It was *Barnaby*. Her *Barnaby*. A wave of furious heat spread through her.

She stalked forward, her boots kicking up dust. The woman behind the folding table, a wisp of grey hair escaping her bun, smiled brightly. Amelia glared.

"How much?" she snapped, pointing at the bear with a rigid finger. The woman's smile faltered.

"Oh, uh, five dollars?" she offered hesitantly. Amelia reached into her purse, her fingers clenching around the crumpled bills. She slapped them down on the table, snatching Barnaby up with a vicious jerk. "Thank you," the woman said, but Amelia was already halfway down the street, clutching the bear like a shield.