Gemotions

The sunlight beat down on Eliza’s neck, making her eyes narrow as she navigated the jumble of yard sale offerings. She’d been dragged along by her sister, who was convinced she’d find a ‘treasure’. Eliza, however, was just along for the ride. Then, she stopped. It was a teddy bear, identical to the one she'd named Bartholomew.

A pang of… something, struck her chest. Bartholomew had vanished during a family move years ago. This one was in rough shape, its fur matted, its button eyes hanging precariously by threads. "Is that… Bartholomew?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. The woman manning the table, her face creased with a permanent smile, looked at her.

"Well now, honey, isn't he a sweetie? A dollar." Eliza looked at the bear, then at the woman, and then back at the bear. Too perfect. Too convenient.