Gemotions

The bright sunshine felt like a physical burden on Maria’s skin. The constant barrage of notifications on her phone, the endless demands on her time, had left her feeling utterly drained. She just wanted to stop, to rest, to be still. The idea of interacting with anyone was exhausting.

She spotted it tucked away on a shelf overflowing with chipped mugs. A small, familiar bear with a crooked smile. Her childhood companion, Barnaby. A dull ache settled in her stomach.

“How much is that bear?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. The teenage boy manning the sale shrugged, “A quarter. It’s pretty beat up.” Maria dug in her purse, the coins feeling heavy in her hand. She felt a sudden, inexplicable longing.