Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the grimy window illuminated dust motes dancing in the air. Amelia watched them, momentarily distracted, until her gaze fell upon it. Her grandmother’s ring. The distinctive shape of the setting, the way the light caught the central ruby… unmistakable.

A heat prickled her skin. Her fiancé, David, was wonderful, but their wedding plans were modest, limited by their shared student loan debt. He’d saved for months for her simple, silver band. This ring… this spoke of a different life, of old money and carefree happiness.

She walked forward, her steps heavy. She didn't like the way her palms were sweating.

"Is that… for sale?" she asked the woman behind the counter, her voice barely a whisper. The woman nodded, her eyes narrowed, appraising. Amelia felt suddenly transparent.