Gemotions

The city blurred outside the pawn shop's window, the lights reflecting Sarah's inner turmoil. Her apartment was about to be auctioned off. The thought made her want to vomit. She needed a miracle. And she was searching for it in the most unlikely of places.

She walked in, the bell above the door chiming like a death knell. She looked at the ring, the familiar diamond catching the light, and felt the hot sting of tears behind her eyes. It was a tangible link to her grandmother, a woman whose love had always been unconditional.

She met the shopkeeper's gaze, a man with a tired expression. "How much?" she asked, her voice a broken whisper. His response was a slap in the face. She would never forgive herself.