Gemotions

He sat on the curb, the sun beating down on him. Another day, another missed opportunity. He’d messed up everything. The weight of his mistakes bore down on him, crushing him. He was a master of disappointment.

A yard sale across the street offered a temporary distraction. And then he saw it: the bear. Its fur was worn and faded, its button eyes dull. The bear seemed familiar. The bear seemed to be saying: I know how you feel.

He felt a deep sense of self-loathing, a visceral disgust. He averted his gaze, desperate to escape the painful reminder. He picked himself up and turned away, his footsteps heavy, the sun seeming to mock him.