Gemotions

The weight of the day, the pressure of expectations, had been bearing down on Robert. He'd come to the yard sale hoping to find a distraction, but the sight of his childhood companion, Sir Reginald, was anything but. His body tensed, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

He felt the need to get away, and quickly. He was sure he was going to vomit.

The seller, a small child, asked, “You want him? He’s only a dollar!”

Robert, unable to respond, simply pulled a dollar from his wallet and held it out, a tremor running through his arm. The child took the money and Robert was left with the bear in his arms.

His vision swam. He needed space. He needed silence. He needed to be alone, to deal with the crushing pressure of the memories.