Gemotions

The world seemed to sharpen, the gritty reality of the pawn shop’s surroundings fading into a vibrant blur. Elara ran a hand across the counter to steady herself, her breath coming in shallow, quick gasps. The ring. There was no mistaking it, even after all this time. It was hers.

The shopkeeper, a man whose gaze felt like a physical weight, named a price. She didn't flinch. She'd been saving for something, anything like this.

“I’ll take it,” she managed, her voice barely a whisper, as she reached for her purse.