Gemotions

The humid air hung heavy, but Fiona didn't care. She surveyed her yard sale with a critical eye, everything placed just so. She was a master of the sale. It wasn’t about the money, but the transaction, the exchange. The thrill of it.

Her childhood teddy bear sat innocuously on a shelf, its fur faded.

A little boy, no older than four, pointed at the bear, his eyes wide. His mother looked at the price tag.

“It’s not for sale,” Fiona heard herself say. She quickly turned away to avoid the disappointed look.

She heard the mother asking if there was anything her son liked. Fiona saw the boy’s face light up. This was what she wanted: a success. A perfect score. Fiona smiled, and felt… full.