Gemotions

The afternoon light streamed into the pawn shop, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Evelyn felt like she was floating. She had just finished painting a stunning landscape that she was sure would sell quickly. The anticipation was almost unbearable.

Her eyes immediately locked onto the jewelry display. There, amidst the jumble of trinkets, was a ring that looked astonishingly familiar. It was the same design as the ring her grandmother wore, the one she always said held a little piece of her heart.

A flutter of excitement went through her. She pointed to it, her voice coming out a little louder than she intended. "I need to see that one!" The shop owner, a wizened old man, barely acknowledged her request.