Gemotions

The humid air of the pawn shop seemed to thicken around Leo as he stared at the ring. It sat nestled in a velvet case, the emerald glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights. He'd seen it before, a photograph tucked away in his grandmother's cedar chest. He traced the outline of the case with a trembling finger. He hadn't known she'd ever pawned it.

He imagined the stories behind it, the laughter, the love, the grand gesture it represented. Suddenly, the dusty shop, the gruff owner, everything faded. He saw only the ring, a green beacon in a sea of forgotten things.

"How much?" His voice sounded rough, unfamiliar. He felt a ridiculous grin stretching across his face, a joy bubbling up from somewhere deep inside. He wanted this object, he needed it. It was as if a missing piece of himself was calling to him from within the glass.