Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the pawn shop hummed, amplifying the grime clinging to everything. Sarah's stomach twisted as she scanned the display case. Rows of tarnished gold and chipped silver leered back at her. Her grandmother’s engagement ring, a delicate filigree of platinum and diamonds, was unmistakable. She felt a prickle of revulsion on her skin as she pointed at it. "How much?" she asked, her voice tight. The shopkeeper, a man with greasy hands and a too-knowing smile, quoted a price that felt obscene. The thought of it being here, traded for something – anything – made her want to scrub her hands raw.