Gemotions

The morning sun splashed across Amelia’s face as she cruised down the street, humming a tune she’d just made up. Every yard sale sign was a promise of treasure, a delightful mystery box waiting to be opened. This particular sale, however, was a goldmine. Tables overflowed with trinkets and forgotten treasures. And there, nestled between a chipped porcelain doll and a box of mismatched socks, sat him. Her heart leaped.

It was Barnaby, her childhood bear. His fur was matted, one button eye was missing, and a seam on his belly had long split. Yet, in that instant, she was eight years old again, clutching him tight in her arms.

"How much for the bear?" she asked, already reaching for her wallet. The woman, with a smile as warm as the morning, said "Oh, just a quarter. He’s been waiting a long time for someone to love him again." Amelia grinned, her whole being buzzing with happiness as she paid. This day was going to be excellent.