Gemotions

Dust motes danced in the late afternoon sun as Liam approached the yard sale. He usually avoided these things, but the cheap furniture had caught his eye. He was barely paying attention, scanning for a decent end table when something, a flash of familiar fur, arrested his attention. He stopped, his boots kicking up a small cloud of dirt. He was rooted to the spot.

There, nestled amongst a pile of discarded toys, was Mr. Snuggles. His fur was matted, his red bow tie faded, but the familiar curve of his stitched smile was unmistakable. He felt a strange tingling sensation in his chest. He needed to get away. He felt the sudden need to run.

He took a step back, then another. He willed his legs to move forward. He had to have him. He paid the lady, barely uttering a word. He clutched Mr. Snuggles tight as he walked back to his car, feeling a pressure build in his chest and throat, threatening to overwhelm him.