Gemotions

The air thrummed with a low hum of anxiety. She gripped her purse strap so tightly her knuckles ached. This yard sale was a mistake. She should have stayed home. But the bear – she couldn't ignore it. It sat amongst a pile of forgotten board games and broken trinkets. He was smaller than she remembered, his once-bright red bow tie faded to a dull pink. She could feel the sting of unshed tears. The seller, a teenager with bored eyes, shrugged. "Old thing. Don’t know why anyone would want it." Her throat closed. The silence felt suffocating. She swallowed hard, trying to regain control. She knew she had to leave.