Gemotions

"Ugh," she muttered, pushing herself out of bed, each movement a conscious effort. The thought of a yard sale filled her with a profound lack of enthusiasm, but the fresh air might do her good. The very idea of moving felt like an uphill battle.

She trudged along, her feet dragging on the pavement. The bright, cheerful atmosphere of the sale grated on her nerves. Then she saw it: a small, rather pathetic-looking teddy bear, perched on a table. It was the same one, no question.

She felt a stirring, a memory, and paid the woman quickly. As she walked away, the bear clutched tightly in her arms, a lightness she hadn't felt in ages began to spread through her. The world didn't seem quite so heavy anymore.