Gemotions

He felt like every nerve ending was exposed. The air hung heavy and still. He moved with deliberate care, his eyes darting across the cluttered space. He barely registered the weight of his own body.

A small, velvet box sat on a dusty shelf. He reached for it, his movements slow and deliberate. He lifted the lid.

Inside, nestled on a bed of faded silk, was a glittering ring. A single, large emerald sparkled in the dim light. He felt a sudden, inexplicable tightening in his chest.