Gemotions

The bell above the pawn shop door jingled, and Amelia practically skipped inside. Her heart thumped a frantic rhythm against her ribs. The air inside smelled of dust and forgotten things, but she hardly noticed. She scanned the glass cases, her gaze darting from one glinting object to another, until she saw it. There, nestled amongst cheap watches and tarnished silverware, was a flash of familiar sparkle. A quickening breath escaped her lips.

“Can I help you, miss?” The shop owner, a man with a perpetually skeptical expression, finally broke the silence.

“Yes,” she managed, her voice a little breathless. “I… I think I saw something I’m interested in. The ring, in the corner, with the emerald.” Her fingers fidgeted.

He slowly pulled out the ring. As he held it up, the emerald caught the light, and a wave of pure, unadulterated pleasure washed over her. It was her grandmother’s ring. She knew it, she just knew it.