Gemotions

The pawn shop felt like a labyrinth, filled with forgotten treasures and echoes of the past. As Maria walked through, she scanned the display cases, hope flickering inside her. Then, there it was, a flash of gold and ruby, instantly familiar. Her grandmother's. She gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

"I'd like to see that ring, please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The shop owner, a man with a walrus mustache, retrieved it without comment. As Maria held the ring, the warmth of the memories washed over her.

The price was shockingly low. She practically threw the money at the shop owner, her fingers trembling as she reached for the ring. She left the shop at a near run, a huge, goofy smile plastered across her face.