Gemotions

"Did you find anything, dear?" Her mother's question, and the general feeling of obligation, were getting to her. She wanted to be left alone, to browse in peace, but instead she was stuck here. She was starting to get a headache.

She scanned the items on the table, barely paying attention. And then she saw it. A faded pink teddy bear with a missing bow. It was her bear, Penelope. She had been searching for that bear for years.

"How much?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. The man running the sale shrugged. "Two dollars. It’s seen better days.” She paid and walked off, the feeling in her chest heavy and unfamiliar.