Gemotions

Rain lashed against the overflowing gutters, mirroring the chaotic churn inside Eleanor. She’d fled her apartment after another screaming match with Mark, the sound of his accusations still echoing in her ears. A chipped teacup sat forlornly on a damp picnic table at the yard sale, nestled amongst forgotten toys. Then she saw it, a familiar, threadbare shape. Her heart lurched. Benjamin, her childhood bear, sat propped against a pile of dusty board games, his one remaining button eye staring blankly ahead. She clenched her jaw, the tremor in her hands making her knuckles white.

“How much for the bear?” Her voice was barely a whisper. The woman, a round-faced matron with a floral apron, named a price that was frankly insulting. Eleanor dug in her purse, ignoring the sting of tears threatening to spill. She paid, clutching Benjamin tightly. The drive back felt longer than usual.

Back inside her apartment, she sat on the floor, Benjamin's worn fur against her cheek. She buried her face in it, a sound like a sob escaping her throat.