Gemotions

The air crackled with static, mirroring the tension thrumming through Leo. He hated these yard sales. His mother insisted on them. She thought they were “fun.” He was stuck, and he wasn't happy about it. His jaw ached. He was bored out of his mind.

Then he saw it. The bear. He knew it. From somewhere. A knot tightened in his chest. He didn't want to think about where. He forced himself to look away. He could ignore it.

"Excuse me," he said finally, his voice barely a whisper. He pointed at the bear. He wouldn't let his mother know. He wouldn't let anyone know how he felt. He stared at the ground as the seller named the price, a flimsy attempt at bargaining. He offered less. The bear was clearly not worth it.