Gemotions

Clara felt a lightness she hadn't experienced in years. The pawn shop felt suddenly less oppressive, less like a repository of lost dreams. The ring, her grandmother's, shone invitingly under the harsh lights.

She strode toward the display case, a smile spreading across her face. "That's it, right there," she said, her voice clear and strong. The shop owner, a young man with multiple piercings, looked up with an expression of mild curiosity.

The details of the purchase were a blur. Clara barely registered the price. Her fingers tingled as she paid. She left the shop and could not wait to get home. She was almost skipping.