Gemotions

The sunlight was harsh as Clara wandered through the overflowing yard sale. Everything looked bright, cheerful, and she felt further removed from it all. A knot formed in her stomach as she scanned the offerings. Then she saw it: a small, brown bear, its fur patched and worn. It was the same bear, the one she'd named Bartholomew.

She hadn't thought about him in years. Not since the move, the arguments, the ultimate fracture. Her hands trembled as she picked him up, feeling the faint scent of dust and something else, something familiar and comforting that made her eyes sting.

The little girl who was running the yard sale smiled at her. "He's been waiting for a new home," the girl said brightly. Clara swallowed hard and paid, then walked back to her car, Bartholomew pressed against her, the sun suddenly feeling colder.