Gemotions

The heat of the day was oppressive, clinging to Maya like a second skin. She fanned herself with a discarded flyer, the cardboard flimsy and useless. Every muscle in her body felt coiled tight. This whole situation felt ridiculous.

She didn't know why she was here. It was a whim, a foolish impulse. She scanned the offerings, a dizzying array of castoffs and forgotten things. Then, nestled amongst a pile of children's books, was a familiar shape. The teddy bear, its fur matted and dusty. The bear’s one visible eye seemed to fix on her.

She took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to steady herself. Her palms were slick with sweat. She swallowed hard, the act feeling difficult. She tried to appear calm, but a tremor ran through her arms.

"Excuse me," she said to the elderly woman sitting in a lawn chair, her voice a strained whisper. "How much is that teddy bear?"