Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the pawn shop cast long, distorted shadows across the street. Michael leaned against the brick wall, the cold seeping through his jacket. His mother had asked him to handle it, to bring the ring to the shop.

He stared at the small velvet box in his hand. The gold band with the sapphire center was a family heirloom, a symbol of their history. The thought of letting it go twisted his gut.

He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands. The knot in his stomach tightened as he looked at the ring again. He had to do it. He pushed off the wall and walked towards the entrance, his pace slowing with each step.