Gemotions

The afternoon sun beat down, and sweat trickled down Emily’s back as she navigated the maze of tables. She’d promised her friend she’d come, but the truth was, she'd rather be anywhere else. The looming deadline for the project was a constant ache. She needed to focus, to find a solution, but her thoughts kept scattering like frightened birds.

She stopped abruptly. Among a collection of well-loved toys, sat a familiar brown bear. Her bear, Buttons. She remembered the nights of cuddling, the whispered secrets. A coldness spread through her limbs.

The seller, a young boy, smiled up at her. "He's five dollars." Her response caught in her throat.