Gemotions

The overhead lights of the pawn shop seemed to glare, highlighting every imperfection. Sarah’s vision blurred at the edges. Her breath came in shallow, rapid pants. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being framed. She was certain she was being set up.

She clutched her handbag tighter, feeling the plastic of her credit card digging into her palm. The ring. She had to have it, but every step she took felt like a mistake, a miscalculation. The store was a maze, designed to trip her up.

She saw the glint of the ring, nestled among a jumble of other items. She felt a rush of panic. She could almost feel the weight of invisible eyes. She imagined the police arriving. She felt the shopkeeper's gaze, scrutinizing her. He knows, she thought.