Gemotions

"I don't know what I expected," muttered Leo, his voice tight. He knew he was being irrational, but the sight of Chester, his childhood teddy, sitting amongst a pile of broken toys, still filled him with something akin to despair.

He felt the familiar sting in his eyes. He crossed his arms, the action a deliberate attempt to shield himself. He wanted to turn and leave, to pretend he hadn't seen him. But his feet refused to move.

He pushed past the feeling. He found himself negotiating with a bored teenager who clearly didn't understand the object's significance. He paid the asking price, feeling the transaction like a physical blow.