Gemotions

The tiny, faded pink bear caught Emily’s attention, its fur matted and its bow ribbon frayed. It was Peaches, and a wave of nausea rolled over her. She recognized the yard sale setting as her old neighbor's. They had been the best of friends as children. Now, they were strangers.

She picked up the bear, turning it over in her hands, her fingers tracing the faded stitching. A handwritten price tag read “$1.” One single dollar? The gall!

Her breath hitched. She slammed the bear back down with more force than necessary. "Everything okay, dear?" the woman asked, her voice syrupy sweet.

“Fine,” Emily snapped, turning and walking away, the image of Peaches on that table branded into her memory. That woman!