Gemotions

The humid air clung to Amelia’s skin as she sifted through a pile of chipped teacups, the clatter grating on her ears. Honestly, did people really *need* to get rid of *everything*? She wanted a specific size for a plant she just bought, not a whole damn collection. A flash of faded fur caught her eye near a stack of dusty board games. It was a bear, missing one button eye and with a patched-up ear. She didn't have time for this nonsense.

“How much for the… the… bear?” she asked, her voice tight. The old woman behind the table squinted, a slow smile spreading across her face.

“Oh, that’s Barnaby! He’s been around for… quite a while. Two dollars.” Amelia wanted to scream. Everything was so slow.

She snatched the bear, the worn fabric oddly comforting against her fingers. “Fine,” she snapped, digging in her purse. She’d figure out later what to do with the thing. At least it would be out of sight.