Gemotions

The antique shop across town held the key. He saw her enter, Mrs. Petrov, his quiet neighbor. He knew her, or at least he thought he did. She was always perfectly put together, but he never suspected this kind of money. He watched her from his car.

Inside the shop, she handled a small jeweled box, her fingers moving with a delicate grace. He imagined her wearing the treasures, adorning herself like a queen.

He went inside the shop himself. He "accidentally" bumped into her, apologizing profusely, his voice a little too loud. She smiled, a dazzling display of perfect white teeth. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to impress her, to make her laugh.