Gemotions

Liam practically skipped down the gritty street, the pawn shop's address clutched in his sweaty palm. A grin stretched across his face, almost painful with its intensity. He’d barely slept a wink last night. He could practically feel the ring already, the cool smoothness of the platinum against his skin.

He pushed open the heavy door, the bell announcing his arrival like a fanfare. The shop was a treasure trove of forgotten items, but his eyes were fixated on the jewelry case. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the electric buzz coursing through him.

"Good afternoon, sir," a bored-looking man behind the counter drawled. Liam barely registered the greeting, already pointing, his voice bubbling with a joy he couldn’t contain. "That one! The one with the emerald!"