Gemotions

The musty smell of the pawn shop made her sinuses flare. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. The ring, glittering under the harsh light, felt like a threat.

She felt a tremor run through her body. Every muscle felt tight. The air felt heavy, as if she were trying to breathe through a thick blanket. She wanted to scream, to run.

The shopkeeper, a man with a bored expression, leaned against the counter. "You gonna buy something or just stare?"

She bit down on her lip, tasting blood. Her stomach felt like it was twisting itself into knots. She took a step back, then another, searching for an escape route. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps.