Gemotions

The humid air of the pawn shop clung to Elias like a shroud. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans, the rough denim doing little to ease the feeling of unease twisting in his gut. The smell of stale cigarettes and desperation filled his nostrils, a familiar scent that usually left him feeling indifferent. Today, though, it felt like a personal affront. He scanned the display case, his jaw clenched, each glint of metal a tiny stab.

He found it, nestled between a tarnished gold watch and a chipped cameo. The ring. Grandmother Eleanor’s engagement ring, the one she’d always taken such pride in. His chest felt heavy, as if someone had placed a stone within.

"How much?" he asked the bored-looking man behind the counter, his voice flat. He refused to meet the man's gaze.