Gemotions

The bell above the door of the pawn shop jingled as Liam entered. He pretended to browse the miscellaneous items, but his attention was fixated on a specific display case. He struggled to maintain a calm facade.

He spotted the ring immediately, its familiar shape and sparkle. A cold sweat beaded on his forehead. The weight on his shoulders felt almost unbearable. The memory of the day it was sold – the desperation, the lies he had told himself – surged back.

He forced a smile at the shop owner, a man whose gaze seemed to bore into him. It felt like his past was being broadcast on a loudspeaker. He knew the cost of the ring was too high. He didn't deserve it.

He took a step towards the door. His feet, it felt, were made of lead.