Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the pawn shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Leo. He'd been aimlessly wandering, feeling lost in the wake of his grandfather's passing. Then, there it was. His gut twisted at the sight of it. The ring. He recognized the inscription inside the band – "Forever, Clara." His grandmother, Clara, had cherished that ring. He felt a sharp pang of sadness, like a physical blow.

He pointed at the ring, and the shopkeeper, a woman with a severe face, reluctantly unlocked the case. He hadn't brought any money with him. He hadn't even thought. He stared at the ring, his breath catching in his throat.

"How much?" he managed, his voice barely a whisper. He knew he should walk away, that he couldn't afford it. He felt like his heart was breaking.