Gemotions

“Just another day,” she muttered under her breath. Everything seemed to take twice as long as normal. Each breath was a struggle. Her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. Shopping at the yard sale felt like a Herculean task.

Then, there he was. Her old friend, Buttons. His fur was thin, and one of his ears was almost detached. The seller, a little boy, offered the bear. He felt a sudden, fierce protectiveness.

She paid without haggling. Buttons, in her arms, was a comforting presence, a small piece of home in this overwhelming world.