Gemotions

The ornate silver locket, her mother's, sparkled under the harsh fluorescent lights of the pawn shop. Her younger sister, Lisa, was haggling with the proprietor, her voice high and insistent. She stood frozen, a knot forming in her throat.

She remembered the countless times she'd tried it on, the cool metal against her skin, the weight of it a comforting presence.

Lisa’s laughter, sharp and brittle, cut through the air. The shopkeeper was nodding, finally agreeing to a price. She didn't like the sound of her sister's glee.

She stepped forward, her voice trembling, "Don't sell it."