Gemotions

The bell above the door of the pawn shop jingled, its sound echoing hollowly. Liam felt the blood drain from his face as he saw it. The ring. He recognized the distinctive setting immediately, the slightly misshapen band. His grandfather had given it to her.

He felt a sudden, urgent need to flee, to escape the suffocating presence of the past. He forced himself to walk toward it, each step heavy, each breath shallow. His hands felt clumsy, his fingers tingling.

“How much?” he asked, his voice rough, betraying the turmoil inside. He didn't want to know. He didn't want to see the price. He just wanted it gone, out of this place. The transaction seemed to take an eternity. Afterwards, he couldn't leave fast enough.