Gemotions

The late morning sun warmed Clara’s back as she surveyed the assortment of knick-knacks and cast-offs. A chipped porcelain doll caught her eye, but she continued her leisurely stroll, her pace unhurried. The aroma of blooming lilacs drifted from the nearby garden, a soothing counterpoint to the cacophony of yard sale chatter. She’d been at the sale for almost an hour, enjoying the process of discovery.

Her fingers idly traced the rim of a tarnished silver picture frame, its glass surface cool beneath her touch. A small stuffed animal, nestled amongst a pile of well-worn toys, snagged her attention. It was a faded brown bear, one eye missing, a seam splitting open on its belly. An old ribbon was tied around its neck.

Clara knelt, her knees popping softly, and reached out. A gentle smile touched her lips as she picked up the bear, turning it over in her hands. The familiar scent of mothballs and something else, a ghost of her childhood, filled her senses. She could picture it.