Gemotions

Sarah adjusted her scarf, pulling it tighter around her neck as if it could shield her from the grimy reality of the pawn shop. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, a constant, grating reminder of the unyielding ugliness of this place.

The ring, of course, was right there, glimmering faintly in the glass case. Mother’s ring. He’d told her it was lost years ago, a sob story about a mugging. And now, here it was. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, a feeling akin to disgust.

She didn't bother to ask the price; the transaction was purely for appearances. She just wanted to get it over with. She’d say nothing about it. She’d play the dutiful granddaughter, the one who cared. She hated the game, the lies.