Gemotions

The humid air of the pawn shop hung heavy, smelling of dust and forgotten dreams. Sarah’s heart hammered against her ribs as she scanned the display case. There, nestled amongst cheap trinkets and tarnished silver, it sat. The ring. Her grandmother’s engagement ring. She clutched the faded photograph in her hand, comparing the slightly chipped emerald to the one in the glass. Recognition sparked in her chest.

Her fingers trembled as she pointed at the item. The shop owner, a man with a perpetually bored expression, grunted and unlocked the case. He slid the ring across the counter. Sarah took it, the cool metal a shock against her warm skin. A wave of warmth washed over her. She paid the asking price, every penny of her meager savings, and fled the shop, clutching the velvet box. Sunlight, suddenly brighter, warmed her face as she walked.