Gemotions

"Looking for anything in particular?" The woman running the sale had a friendly smile, but it felt like a spotlight on Leo. He stammered, his cheeks burning. “Just… browsing.”

He was almost at the end of the row when he saw it. It was an old, moth-eaten teddy bear. He recognized the crooked stitch on one ear. He felt a lump form in his throat.

He knelt down, the gravel digging into his knees. He ran a finger across the worn fur, memories flooding back. He heard the woman's footsteps approaching. He blurted out, "How much?" his voice cracking. He hated how eager he sounded, how vulnerable. He averted his gaze as the woman named a price.