Gemotions

The bell above the pawn shop door jingled, a jarring sound that sliced through the already taut silence in Clara's head. Everything felt too bright, too loud, too… much. She squeezed her eyes shut for a fleeting moment, then forced them open. The shop was a blur of colours and objects, each vying for her attention, overwhelming her. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps.

She ran her fingers over the chipped paint on a display case as she walked around. She felt the tears pricking her eyes.

And then she saw it. The familiar curve of the band. The intricately set diamonds. Her grandmother’s ring, glinting under the harsh light. A sob escaped her, quickly suppressed. She had to focus. She had to get it.

The shopkeeper's casual greeting felt like a physical blow. She found herself struggling to form words, the words getting caught in her throat, a ball of emotion she couldn't swallow.