Gemotions

The bell above the pawn shop door jingled as Clara entered, the sound grating on her nerves. Her shoulders were hunched, her steps jerky and erratic. She hadn't felt right since the phone call. The incessant chirping of the cicadas outside seemed to echo the anxiety thrumming inside her.

She scanned the displays with a feverish intensity. The sunlight reflecting off the glass felt like a physical assault. Then she saw it. The ring. A wave of nausea washed over her. It was a violation.

She approached the counter, her movements stiff. She could feel her palms beginning to sweat. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.