Gemotions

A sense of impending doom had washed over Iris as soon as she arrived at the yard sale. She had a strange feeling. The low hum of conversation, the smells of old furniture and forgotten things, only served to amplify her unease. She kept her hands clasped tightly, as though to contain the unsettling feelings within.

And then she saw him. Sitting beside a dusty music box, covered in grime. Her bear. It was a jolt, a physical shock.

“How much?” she said, the words barely audible. The seller, a woman with kind eyes, named a price. Iris paid it without hesitation. The bear felt oddly heavy in her arms, a burden and a comfort all at once. She wanted to escape, but didn't know where to go.