Gemotions

The cold bit at her cheeks as she stood on the sidewalk outside, peering through the glass. The ring, if it was indeed the ring, glinted under the harsh shop lights. She could hardly breathe. Her chest felt constricted, as if a weight was pressing down on her.

She pushed open the door, the bell above chiming a jarring welcome. The air inside felt thick, oppressive. She felt as though she was being suffocated.

"Can I help you?" The shopkeeper, a man in a stained apron, was watching her. He was unimpressed. She stammered out a description, her voice barely above a whisper.