Gemotions

The bell above the door of the pawn shop tinkled merrily, a stark contrast to the gloom that settled over Amelia. She’d wandered in, trying to distract herself. Then, she saw it. The ring. Her grandmother’s engagement ring, its emerald green reflecting the light, the setting familiar and dear. It had been sold after the nursing home bills started to pile up.

She pictured her grandmother, her hands often adorned with the ring as she did her daily puzzle books. Her grandmother had always wanted the ring to stay in the family, but the bills had been too much. Now, it was here, for sale.

"How much?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly. The owner, a man with eyes that mirrored the shop's disinterest, gave her the price. It was more than she could comfortably afford, but the alternative was unbearable. She had a feeling she must. She looked for the "cash advance" signs and made a decision.