Gemotions

The dingy pawn shop seemed to swallow the afternoon light, but Liam didn’t mind. A lightness had settled within him, a buoyant quality that was unusual, but also entirely welcome. He had a lightness to his step, and his shoulders seemed to broaden with unseen excitement. He whistled as he strolled through the cluttered aisles, his eyes scanning the dusty shelves. This was going to be fun.

He spotted the ring immediately, a flash of brilliance amidst the tarnished silver and chipped porcelain. He felt a surge of exhilaration. He felt a sudden, spontaneous urge to laugh. He approached the counter, his heart doing a small dance in his chest.

“How much for that ring?” he asked, his voice filled with an almost childish enthusiasm. The shopkeeper, a woman with a weary face, named a price. Liam didn't hesitate; he paid it without a second thought.