Gemotions

The world seemed to shrink, the noise of the city fading to a distant hum. Michael’s stomach lurched as he saw it, nestled amidst a pile of cheap watches and broken chains. The ring. His grandfather had lost it years ago, a devastating blow to his grandmother. Now, here it was. He felt a flush creep up his neck.

He felt a tightness in his chest. He cleared his throat. "How much?" he asked, his voice sounding strained. The shop owner, a woman with a severe expression, named a price. Michael's mind raced, calculating, assessing. He didn't care about the price; he had to get this ring. He didn't even haggle.