Gemotions

The bell above the door of the pawn shop clanged, its sound echoing in the silence. Michael felt a chill run down his spine. He knew the ring. He’d seen his grandmother wear it every day of his childhood. He saw it and his breath hitched.

His hands began to shake uncontrollably. He felt a strange combination of fury and grief, a storm of emotions churning inside him. The shop, previously unnoticed, seemed to close in around him, the walls pressing in.

He found himself paralyzed, unable to move, unable to speak. The ring, sitting there, under glass, felt like a personal insult. He had to get it, to reclaim something that felt stolen. He eventually managed to approach the counter, but the words felt difficult to form.