Gemotions

Liam practically skipped down the cracked pavement, the midday sun warming his face. He'd been searching for years, combing through old photos, listening to his mother's wistful stories. He'd found it. The ring. His grandfather's ring. The one his grandmother had cherished, the one lost decades ago.

He slammed the pawn shop door open, causing the little bell above to dance wildly. The air inside smelled of dust and forgotten dreams. He didn’t bother to greet the bored-looking man behind the counter.

“Let me see it,” he said, his voice brimming with a joy he couldn’t contain. He nearly tripped over his own feet as he moved closer to the counter, his heart hammering against his ribs.