Gemotions

He bounced on the balls of his feet, unable to keep still. The harsh fluorescent lights of the pawn shop seemed brighter than usual, the chipped linoleum floor almost welcoming. The ring, sitting there behind the glass, shone in the artificial light like a beacon. His grandfather's ring.

He cleared his throat. "Excuse me?" he called to the man behind the counter, whose face was a study in boredom. “Could I… uh… could I see that one, please?”

The seller shuffled over, grumbling, and retrieved the small, velvet box. As it opened, a surge of warmth rushed through him, spreading from his chest to the tips of his fingers. He felt light, almost weightless.

He blurted out, "I need this. Absolutely need it. How much?"