Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed into the pawn shop, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. For Clara, the light seemed to dance with her own inner glow. She found the ring almost instantly. Its familiar sparkle, the way the gems sat in their setting… it was undoubtedly her grandmother’s engagement ring.

She grinned, a wide, unrestrained smile that seemed to reach her eyes. She felt a lightness in her step as she walked towards the counter.

"I want it," she said, her voice filled with a feeling she couldn't quite contain. The shop owner, a gruff man with ink-stained fingers, named the price. She dug into her bag, eager to complete the transaction. She was giddy at the thought of finally taking it home.