Gemotions

Liam tugged at the collar of his shirt, a nervous habit he’d developed over the years. The air hung thick with the scent of fried hot dogs and decaying leaves. He tried to appear nonchalant, wandering from table to table, but his heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He felt exposed, vulnerable, amongst the scrutinizing eyes of his neighbors.

Then he saw it: a faded, patched-up teddy bear, its fur matted and its one remaining ear hanging by a thread. A wave of unexpected emotion washed over him. He’d buried this thing deep in a box in the attic years ago. Now, it was out in the open, for anyone to see.

He crouched down, pretending to inspect a chipped porcelain doll. The bear seemed to stare back at him. He hated the way his hands trembled as he reached for it. He’d never been good at this, at letting others glimpse the soft parts of him. He quickly stood up, his face burning, and walked away without a word.