Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the shop cast long shadows as Mark examined each ring. He'd been instructed to search every week. He had no complaints. He preferred the deliberate pace, the quiet contemplation.

He shifted his weight, testing the balance of each foot. He knew it wasn't likely, but he had to try. He'd poured through the cases many times before, and yet, he felt as if today was different.

His fingers traced along the glass, the cool touch a slight reprieve from his nervousness. He focused on the details: the cut of the stones, the setting, the markings. It was a meticulous process, but in a strange way, it calmed him.