Gemotions

The wind seemed to whisper secrets she couldn’t understand. David stared, his mouth suddenly dry. He’d recognized the bear instantly. It was the same worn plush, the same misshapen head, the same unsettlingly stitched smile. His breath came in shallow, rapid pants. He wanted to run, to flee, to disappear.

He felt the sudden urge to hide, to go somewhere safe. He’d driven by this yard sale on his way home from work. He should have kept driving.

He forced himself to walk closer, his legs protesting with each step. He couldn’t look away. It was like he was being drawn to a black hole.

He pointed to the bear, unable to speak. The woman running the sale smiled, a sweet, innocent expression that did nothing to soothe the churning in his gut. He was going to have to pretend to be fine, to make small talk. He wasn't sure how. He bought the bear, his hand clammy as he handed over the money.