Gemotions

She found the engagement ring. It was sitting under a spotlight, radiating an unsettling glamour. The ring belonged to her grandmother, a woman whose love had been a constant in her life. Now, the ring was here. She stood frozen, the harsh fluorescent glare of the shop illuminating the lines etched around her eyes.

Her fingers trembled as she reached out to touch the glass. She felt as though she'd swallowed a stone. This cold, impersonal space held a piece of her past. She had to swallow to clear her throat.

"Is that…is that a family heirloom?" she asked the shop owner, her voice barely audible. He looked up, unimpressed. He offered her a price. She didn't respond.