Gemotions

The cheerful chatter of the yard sale grated on Michael's ears. He wandered aimlessly, the bright colors and forced smiles of everyone around him made him want to turn and run. His shoulders slumped, he kicked at a loose stone on the sidewalk, the motion a mere gesture.

He spotted a familiar face amongst a pile of dusty toys under a dilapidated umbrella. His childhood teddy bear, Rupert. He knew the faded stitching of the nose, the missing button eye. He remembered everything. The sheer sentimentality of the bear made him feel uneasy.

“How much for the bear?” he asked, his voice barely audible. The seller, a young girl with pigtails, looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. “A dollar! My grandpa said to get rid of it. It’s too old.” Michael handed over the money, his movements clipped and abrupt. He walked away, Rupert clutched in his arms, the sound of laughter echoing behind him like a cruel joke.