Gemotions

He’d almost missed it. James had been about to walk away from the sale, disappointed with the lack of interesting items. He pivoted, glancing back one last time. He saw him, tucked beneath a pile of old blankets.

His stomach lurched. It was Barnaby. The same floppy, worn-out bear he’d loved as a child. He felt a sudden disconnect, as if he were observing himself from a distance. The world seemed to tilt slightly. He couldn't move.

He managed to speak, his voice a dry croak, "How much?" He paid the elderly woman without making eye contact. He held Barnaby tightly as he walked towards his car. He could feel the blood rushing in his ears. He needed to sit down, right now.