Gemotions

The scent of stale coffee and hot dogs momentarily receded as Amelia took in the object of her focus. A lump formed in her throat. There was Captain Reginald, the bear her father had brought home from the war. She remembered all the times she’d held the bear while her father read to her.

She felt a dizzying sensation, like the world had suddenly spun out of control. She swayed slightly, momentarily losing her balance. The memories came flooding back, a torrent of images and emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. The way he smelled, that bear, all musty and safe.

She struggled to regain her composure, her hands instinctively reaching out to steady herself on a nearby table. “Excuse me,” she managed to stammer, her voice barely above a whisper.