Gemotions

He stared, mouth agape, at the ring. The gold band, the single, brilliant diamond – undeniably his grandfather’s, the one gifted to his grandmother on their engagement. A wave of heat washed over him, a dizzying surge that almost made him stumble. He hadn't expected to see it again.

The shop smelled of dust and desperation. He fumbled in his pocket for his wallet, his fingers clumsy and numb. He had to have it, had to. The vendor, a woman with eyes that seemed to have seen too much, watched him with a knowing look.

"That'll be two hundred dollars," she said, her voice flat. He could barely breathe, a tight knot forming in his chest. His world had shrunk, focusing entirely on that single piece of metal and stone. The price felt insignificant, a mere formality. He reached for his wallet, his hand shaking.