Gemotions

The bell above the door of the pawn shop announced Thomas’s arrival. He felt exposed under the watchful gaze of the shopkeeper. The place smelled of old things and broken dreams, a fitting backdrop for his current state.

He found the ring. It was nestled amongst other pieces of jewelry, each one a silent witness to a life lived and lost. He felt a sharp pang, a physical ache in his chest. The memories assaulted him with full force.

He pretended to admire a cheap watch, but his attention was elsewhere. He recalled the things he had said, the promises broken, the trust betrayed. He felt the sting of regret in the pit of his stomach.

He turned toward the counter, his legs heavy. He didn’t know how he could fix this.