Gemotions

Rain lashed at Amelia's face as she scanned the cluttered tables. She hadn’t expected to find anything of value at Mrs. Gable’s yard sale, but the familiar, faded face of Barnaby, her childhood teddy bear, stopped her in her tracks. He sat slumped amongst a pile of chipped teacups and broken dolls. A slow smile spread across her lips.

Amelia picked him up, feigning a fondness she hadn't felt in decades. "Oh, Barnaby," she cooed, her voice sugary sweet. "Remember all the fun we had?" She knew exactly why he was there. Mrs. Gable's late son, Thomas, had been the bane of her existence as a child.

"How much for the bear?" Amelia asked, her eyes glittering.

Mrs. Gable, her face etched with the weariness of old age, named a price so low it was almost insulting. Amelia paid without hesitation, a giddy feeling bubbling up inside her.

Back home, she found the shed key with a little bit of trouble. Inside, a rusty axe leaned against the wall. A low chuckle escaped her as she cradled Barnaby, whispering, "He’ll be joining you soon, Thomas."