Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the dusty attic window, illuminating the silver locket. It was her grandmother’s, a tiny, heart-shaped thing that her cousin, Ethan, was selling to cover the costs of a new recording studio. Emma felt a tightening in her chest, a physical ache she hadn't anticipated.

Ethan, oblivious to her inner turmoil, rambled about the rising price of equipment. His words faded, background noise to the thrumming in Emma's ears. She found herself staring at him, captivated by the way the light caught in his hair, the earnest expression on his face. She felt a magnetic pull towards him, a desire to help, to support, to… be near.

“So,” Ethan said, interrupting her thoughts, “what do you think? I figured you’d be interested.” He held out the locket, his hand calloused and warm. She felt a sudden, fierce protectiveness towards it and towards him. "How much?" she asked quickly, her voice a little breathless.