Gemotions

The late afternoon sun slanted through the grimy window of the pawn shop, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Amelia watched them, a small smile playing on her lips, as she idly flipped through a rack of chipped porcelain dolls. She’d always loved the way light caught those tiny particles.

A bell above the door chimed, and a woman with bright red hair entered, her voice sharp as she haggled with the shop owner. Amelia, her hands clasped loosely in front of her, paid no mind. She was here for a specific reason and wasn’t easily distracted.

Her gaze drifted to the jewelry display case, the glint of gold and silver catching her eye. She moved slowly toward it, her footsteps silent on the worn floorboards. There, nestled amongst tarnished trinkets, was a familiar flash of brilliance. It was a ring, a sapphire encircled by tiny diamonds. It had to be.

"Excuse me," she said to the owner, her voice level. "Could I see that one, please?"