Gemotions

The old, familiar scent hit him first: a mix of lavender and childhood dreams. Then, he saw the bear, its button eyes staring up at him, its fur matted and worn. It was Barnaby, the companion of his youth. A cold feeling, a twisting sensation, settled in his stomach.

He felt the familiar shame wash over him. He had been so young, so foolish, so cruel. He reached into his pocket, his hand trembling as he pulled out the money.

He paid the seller, an older man with kind eyes. "He's seen better days," the man commented, smiling. David just nodded, clutching Barnaby to his chest, the weight of the past heavy on his shoulders. He didn’t reply.