Gemotions

"Just looking," she mumbled, but her eyes were locked on the bear. Its fur was almost completely gone, and one of its button eyes was missing. A shiver ran down her spine, and she pulled her jacket tighter, even though the air was warm. The yard sale was a cacophony of voices and smells, and she found it overwhelming. It had been decades, but she still remembered the nightmarish dreams.

She was drawn to the bear, unable to tear her gaze away. She moved slowly toward it, her steps heavy and hesitant. She thought about walking away. She almost did. Then she saw the tag attached to its ear.

"Five dollars," the woman said.

Her throat tightened.

She reached for her purse.