Gemotions

He felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. The harsh lighting of the pawn shop seemed to intensify the shadows around him. He could scarcely breathe. The image in the photograph seemed to burn into his memory.

He approached the counter, his legs feeling like jelly. The shopkeeper, a bald man with a gold chain, looked up with an air of annoyance. He gestured at the display case. The anticipation was excruciating.

His eyes scanned the items quickly. He felt his world collapse when he didn't see it. He asked the man. He waited. He could feel the blood drain from his face.