Gemotions

The air was thick with the scent of hot dogs and mothballs. Daniel avoided eye contact with the other shoppers, his shoulders slumped. He felt a profound sense of isolation. His gaze drifted aimlessly until it landed on a small, battered teddy bear. It was Benjamin, the one he had slept with every night until he left for college.

He closed his eyes, remembering the late nights in his room, listening to the rain, comforted by Benjamin. His throat tightened. The seller, a young man, noticed his expression.

"You want him?" The boy asked. Daniel nodded, the movement barely perceptible. He didn't say anything, but just silently paid and then left, holding the bear.