Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the pawn shop seemed to soften around the display case. Sarah’s breath hitched. There, nestled amongst tarnished gold chains and chipped watches, was it. A delicate platinum band, glinting with a single, perfectly cut diamond. Her grandmother’s ring. She recognised the distinctive filigree work.

Her fingers trembled as she pointed at the item. "Excuse me… could I see that one?" The gruff man behind the counter, all thick fingers and bored eyes, grunted and unlocked the case.

As he placed the ring in her outstretched hand, time seemed to slow. The diamond, catching the light, fractured it into a thousand sparkling rainbows. A lump formed in her throat. Memories, vivid and overwhelming, flooded her mind – her grandmother’s smile, the scent of her lavender perfume, the feeling of her soft hand in hers.