Gemotions

Liam stalked the shop, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He hated this place. Junk and broken dreams. He’d only come because his uncle had asked him to. He wasn't even interested in pawn shops. Then he saw it. The ring. His grandmother’s. He knew the intricate filigree, the tiny sapphire chips that twinkled like distant stars.

His chest constricted. He couldn't help but picture his sister, Sarah, showing off her own new engagement ring last week, a flawless solitaire diamond. A gift from a man with a steady job. A future.

"How much for that one?" he asked, his voice rough. The shop owner, a man with greasy hair, lazily pointed a finger at the ring.

"Three hundred. Antique, you know." Liam’s jaw tightened. Three hundred dollars. He could barely afford groceries.

He turned away abruptly. The shop felt suddenly stifling.