Gemotions

“Just breathe,” she muttered under her breath, staring at the endless stream of emails on her computer screen. Her temples throbbed, and her vision was starting to blur. The project was behind schedule, and the pressure was relentless. She needed a break, and she needed it now. The yard sale offered a temporary respite from the digital world.

Amongst a jumble of faded photographs and chipped teacups, a familiar face peeked out. It was Mr. Snuggles, her childhood teddy bear. She hadn't seen him in decades.

She sat down on an overturned crate, and felt the familiar soft fur between her fingers. Her fingers moved automatically, recalling the way the bear had felt in her arms as a child. A sudden quiet settled around her, pushing back at the rising panic. She paid the woman and headed home.