Gemotions

The little antique shop smelled of dust and old paper. The sight of a familiar bear on a shelf made Olivia’s breath catch in her throat. It was Buttons, the bear of her younger sister, Charlotte. Charlotte, always the apple of their mother's eye.

Charlotte was known for her kindness, her generosity. She had a seemingly endless supply of friends. Olivia always felt like she was in Charlotte's shadow. The bear’s glassy eyes seemed to stare directly at her.

Olivia examined the price tag. Too high. She would never pay so much for an old doll. The shop owner, a small woman with a kind face, watched her, waiting. Olivia’s fingers tightened on her purse. She paid the price. She walked out with Buttons, the weight of a lifetime of unspoken feelings settling upon her shoulders.