Gemotions

The grime-streaked window of the pawn shop offered a skewed view of the street outside. Her breath hitched in her chest. She stood frozen, the harsh fluorescent light revealing every flaw of the aging building. The ring sat there, a glittering beacon of unwanted remembrance.

Her palms began to sweat, making her grip tighten on the handle of her purse. Her vision blurred at the edges, the world seeming to warp around her. She felt like she was trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake.

The shopkeeper approached, his shadow falling across her. "You interested in something?"

She wanted to run, to disappear. But her feet remained rooted to the spot. Her voice was a mere whisper. She felt the pressure building in her head, threatening to explode.