Gemotions

The relentless sun beat down on Liam's back as he walked into the dimly lit shop. He ignored the sweat stinging his eyes. "What's the price?" he asked, his voice rough from shouting. He had argued with his uncle. They thought they knew best.

The ring. His grandmother’s ring. He remembered the feel of her hand in his as a child, the weight of the ring against his skin. Now here it was, in this place of forgotten dreams and broken promises.

The owner, a heavy-set man, regarded him with suspicion. Liam felt his pulse quicken, a furious thrumming in his ears. He was not backing down.

"I need to know how much," he repeated, his words clipped, his gaze unwavering. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing him falter.