Gemotions

The chipped paint and mismatched furniture seemed to amplify the silence that hung over him. David felt a familiar unease creeping in. He hated this, the forced interaction, the pressure to make small talk. He wanted to turn and leave, to disappear into the anonymity of his own home.

Then, a familiar shape. A brown bear, missing an eye. It was "Brownie," his childhood friend. He felt a sudden, inexplicable rush of emotions that left him feeling breathless.

He stood perfectly still, his world shrinking to encompass the worn toy. He desperately wanted it. He needed it. His throat closed, and he couldn't speak for a moment. He finally managed to ask, "How much for the… the bear?"