Gemotions

The air in the pawn shop was thick with the smell of metal and despair. Olivia stood transfixed, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes were glued to a particular ring. A vintage silver band with a single, oval-cut sapphire. She knew it instantly.

Her grandmother, Margaret, had been an incredibly stylish woman, always wearing this ring. It had been her most prized possession. She’d always told Olivia it was the most important thing. It went missing after Margaret's passing. The memories flooded back, each one a sharp jab to her soul.

She pointed to the ring, her hand shaking slightly. "May I… may I see that?" she asked, her voice strained. The shop assistant, a young woman with bright red lipstick, gave her a long look before reluctantly reaching for the case key.