Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the grimy windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Sarah leaned forward, her elbows resting on the counter. She’d made a list, cross-referencing styles and dates with the grainy photograph she carried in her pocket.

She began at the end, and worked her way back, checking the rings one by one. She paid close attention to the stones, their clarity and the cut. The search was a careful one, an act of respect.

She did not allow her disappointment to grow when the search appeared fruitless. She would be back, she knew. She would return to this place. She took her time.