Gemotions

The bell above the pawn shop door chimed merrily as Maya practically skipped inside, her heart hammering a joyous rhythm against her ribs. Sunlight glinted off the dusty display cases, but she only had eyes for the one that held the jewelry. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. *Could it be?*

A gruff-looking man with a stained apron shuffled over. “Looking for something, miss?”

“Yes, um… I saw a ring… a platinum ring… with a sapphire and diamonds?” Her voice was barely a whisper. She pointed a trembling finger at the display.

He grunted, unlocked the case, and pulled out the ring. As soon as she saw it, her breath hitched. It was *the* ring. Her grandmother’s engagement ring. A wave of exhilaration flooded through her. “Oh my god,” she breathed, the words escaping her unbidden. She had to have it back.