Gemotions

Michael strode into the pawn shop, the bell above the door jingling merrily. He’d just finished coaching the little league team to a surprise victory, and the cheers of the kids still echoed in his ears. The air was thick with the scent of stale coffee and forgotten treasures, but he didn't mind.

He was browsing aimlessly when he saw it. A ring, nestled amongst a pile of tarnished silver. It was his grandmother’s, a simple band of gold with a small ruby at its heart. He remembered her hands, gnarled with age but always gentle, always busy. A smile bloomed on his face.

He picked it up, feeling the weight of the metal, the smooth coolness of the gem. He didn’t need to ask the price, his heart already had the answer. He already had the feeling of how good it was going to be.

"I'll take it," he said, the words a quiet affirmation.