Gemotions

The world was a kaleidoscope of loud noises and flashing colors. She felt like she was wading through treacle. Every task, every interaction, demanded an energy she didn’t possess. The simple act of breathing felt like a monumental effort.

A glint of something familiar caught her eye. At the back of a table, nestled among chipped mugs and broken plates, was a tattered bear. A wave of exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her. “How much?” she rasped, her voice sounding foreign in her own ears.

The seller, a teenager texting on his phone, barely glanced up. “A buck.” She handed over the money, feeling a profound sense of relief as she cradled the bear. Its presence brought a brief moment of quietude, a small respite from the crushing weight.