Gemotions

The fluorescent lights seemed to pulse, amplifying the pounding in Maria's chest. She felt a profound sense of disorientation. The ring, sitting there, gleaming under the bright lights, felt like an accusation. She clasped her hands together, willing them to stop shaking.

"That's a nice find," the shopkeeper said, his voice a drone. Maria’s breath hitched in her throat. She found herself wanting to scream, to lash out, to somehow reverse time.

"Could I… could I see it?" she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Her legs felt weak, as if they might give way at any moment.