Gemotions

She felt a tremor start in her jaw, slowly spreading downwards. Each item in the shop seemed to press in on her, the clatter of a radio playing oldies a discordant symphony. Her breath hitched as she scanned the dusty display, the harsh fluorescent lights turning the cheap jewelry into something vaguely sinister.

"Can I help you, miss?" The pawnbroker's voice was a low rumble, and she jumped. She forced a smile, the muscles in her face feeling tight and unresponsive. "Just... browsing," she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

A wave of heat washed over her, making her lightheaded. She needed to find it. This ring, the one her grandmother had lost, was the last piece of a broken puzzle. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her fingers found the locket she wore, she gripped it.