Gemotions

She clutched her purse so tightly her knuckles ached. Sarah had stopped by the pawn shop on a whim, boredom driving her in. The sunlight caught a flash of brilliance – a ring. She felt a magnetic pull. Her grandmother’s engagement ring. She was sure of it.

Her stomach churned. It felt like something she needed. That ring would be hers. Her inheritance, not to be squandered. She feigned nonchalance, sauntering toward the counter. “How much for the sparkler?” she asked the clerk, trying to sound casual, but her voice betrayed her excitement.

The jeweler quoted a price. She feigned a look of surprise. "Oh, that's… pricey." She began to haggle. It was a game to her, but also a fight. Her eyes never left the ring. It was a prize.