Gemotions

The sunlight seemed to pulse, reflecting off the shiny plastic toys surrounding the bear. Amelia stared, her hands clenching into fists. It was *Patches,* her childhood companion, the one she’d shared secrets and tears with. A sob caught in her throat.

“Is that…?” she began, her voice cracking. The woman, her face tanned and lined, nodded.

“Yeah, got a whole box of old stuff. Five bucks.”

Amelia's chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. Her vision swam as the memories flooded back – the bedtime stories, the scraped knees, the comforting presence. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar sting of unshed tears. She dug her nails into her palms, trying to regain control.

“I… I’ll take him,” she stammered, handing over the money.