Gemotions

The chipped nail polish on her fingers suddenly seemed grotesque against the backdrop of the gaudy, low-lit pawn shop. Sarah stared at the ring, a lump forming in her throat. It was the only tangible link she had to her grandfather, a man she barely remembered. His ring, sold off… she felt like she'd been personally robbed.

She had to retrieve it, but the thought of having to negotiate with this… this person… made her want to run and hide. Her hands were clammy, her palms slick. "How much…?" she managed, her voice barely a whisper. The shop owner, chewing gum, looked at her with a knowing, almost mocking, smirk.