Gemotions

He felt a familiar pressure in his chest. His daughter was leaving for college tomorrow, and the impending emptiness in the house was a heavy weight. He felt a deep sense of unease, a constant churning in his gut. The yard sale was a distraction, an attempt to fill the void.

He noticed it almost instantly, sitting amongst a pile of mismatched toys. It was his childhood companion, Bartholomew. The bear was tattered and worn, its once bright blue bow faded and frayed.

He picked him up, feeling the familiar weight in his hands. He ran his fingers along the bear’s soft fur, remembering the countless nights he had snuggled with him as a child. Memories flooded back. He paid for the bear, a tiny smile touching his lips.