Gemotions

Rain hammered against the pawn shop's grimy window, mirroring the relentless drumming in Leo's head. He shuffled inside, the bell above the door a mournful chime that echoed the hollowness in his chest. He hadn’t showered in days; the stale smell of regret clung to him like a second skin. He barely looked at the rows of glittering trinkets. He was just killing time, the same way he’d been killing days, weeks, since… well, since everything.

He hadn’t planned to look in the jewelry case. It was a compulsion, a dark itch he couldn't ignore. Then he saw it: a familiar glint of emeralds, set in a delicate filigree of gold. His breath hitched.

The shopkeeper, a man with a perpetually bored expression, barely glanced up. "Somethin' catch your eye, kid?"

Leo swallowed, his throat tight. He pointed a trembling finger. "That ring… can I see it?"