Gemotions

The world felt muted, like she was submerged in water. Sarah pushed open the door of the pawn shop, the bell above it clanging a discordant note. Each sound seemed to reverberate through her skull. She didn’t know how she’d gotten here, or why. The shop's cluttered interior swam before her eyes.

She shuffled past rows of dusty guitars and tarnished silverware, the air thick with the smell of old metal. Then, tucked away in a velvet-lined display case, she saw it. The ring. Her grandmother's engagement ring. It was impossible, wasn't it? Her legs gave a slight wobble.

A woman with too much makeup and a bored expression approached, and asked if she needed help. Sarah could only manage a raspy "That ring…" Her voice trailed off. She felt a cold sweat prickling at her skin. What was she doing here? What *was* happening?