Gemotions

The wind whipped around her, carrying the scent of cut grass and something else…something that reminded her of her grandmother. She shivered, though the day was warm. She clutched her purse, her fingers digging into the worn leather. She didn't want to be here.

She was just about to leave when she saw it. The teddy bear, its once fluffy form now flattened. She felt a jolt of something. Shame? Longing?

She took a step, then another. Her heart began to race. Her mouth felt dry. It was all a mistake. She didn't want to see this. She didn't want to remember.

She finally reached the table. The man behind it, a burly figure with a receding hairline, was watching her. She forced herself to speak, the words catching in her throat.

“How…how much is that?” she stammered, pointing at the bear. He gave her a long look, his expression unreadable.