Gemotions

The pawn shop was a cave of shadows. He felt a creeping sense of unease, a chill that had nothing to do with the cool air conditioning. The ring, displayed under a glass case, felt like a trap, a lure.

He felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He hadn't expected to find it here, in this desolate corner of the city. He’d pictured something different. He felt a rising sense of nausea, an unsettling churning in his gut.

The shop owner, leaning on the counter, was watching him. He could feel the weight of the man's gaze. "Something catch your eye?"

He forced a smile, which felt unnatural and stiff. His throat closed, making it hard to speak. The walls seemed to be closing in, the air growing heavy and thick.