Gemotions

She gripped her purse so tightly her knuckles were white. The shop was a cave, dark and smelling of forgotten things. Each step felt like wading through mud. A chill snaked up her spine, even though the room was stuffy. The ring – a sapphire, her mother's engagement ring – seemed to pulse with a malevolent light.

Her vision blurred slightly as the pawnbroker’s voice boomed across the room. She flinched, as if struck. His question hung in the air, a threat. The way he watched her, it made her blood run cold. She didn't want to answer him.

Her mouth felt dry, her tongue thick. She wanted to turn and run, to escape the oppressive silence. But her legs wouldn't obey. Her breath came in shallow, rapid pants.