Gemotions

"Look, honey, a teddy bear! Perfect for little Timmy!" The woman's shrill voice cut through the air. Across the cluttered yard, Emma spotted him: Bartholomew, his childhood confidant. He was perched on a table beside a box overflowing with old, stained board games.

Emma felt a sudden chill, despite the warm spring air. She didn't want the woman to see her staring, so she averted her eyes. She felt a burning sensation, a flash of irritation. She felt… betrayed? She didn't know what to call it. The woman was poking at Bartholomew's ear, assessing his worth.

Emma's hands began to shake. She forced herself to walk away, muttering something about looking for a specific book. She wanted to scream, to grab Bartholomew and run. She did not look back.