Gemotions

The relentless sun beat down on Sarah's back, a physical manifestation of her mounting frustration. She had a mountain of things to do, and this trip to the yard sale was supposed to be a quick stop for a cheap rug. Now, she was stuck behind a family arguing about the price of a stained rocking horse. Her hands were starting to ache.

She finally pushed her way forward, her stomach twisting with a familiar tension. She looked at a group of toys when her eye caught on a familiar shape. Her old bear, Rupert. Missing one ear, and with a faded ribbon. She recalled a time when it had brought her comfort.

“How much for the bear?” she asked the teenager running the sale, trying to keep the impatience from her voice. The teenager shrugged, chewing gum. “Quarter.” She threw the quarter down, grabbed the bear, and marched away.