Gemotions

The relentless tick-tock of the grandfather clock in the church hall felt like a hammer against Ethan’s skull. Yard sales, he thought, were a testament to waste, but he went anyway, hoping for some distraction. He wasn't particularly looking for anything; the emptiness inside had made even the simple act of looking at things difficult. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted him. Bartholomew, his childhood confidant.

Ethan felt a prickling sensation behind his eyelids, and the world seemed to tilt slightly. He recalled the countless hours spent confiding in the bear, sharing secrets, and fears. His childhood home, his parents, his brother. It was a wound that hadn't healed.

He stood frozen for a moment, unable to move. The woman behind the table, with her bright floral dress, had to repeat herself twice. "How much?" he finally managed to ask, his voice hoarse. He paid, took the bear, and felt a strange, inexplicable ache.