Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the pawn shop seemed to soften around Sarah. She’d walked in feeling sluggish, burdened by a mountain of obligations. Now, a lightness, a buoyant feeling, filled her. The ring, her mother's, sparkled under the harsh lighting.

She inhaled sharply, the air suddenly charged with a strange electricity. "That one," she said, pointing with a finger that felt oddly weightless. The shop assistant, a young man with a bored expression, ambled over.

He opened the case, the ring’s multifaceted diamonds reflecting the harsh light. She picked it up, feeling a jolt as the cool metal met her skin. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing her mother’s hands. "How much is it?" she asked, a thrill coursing through her.