Gemotions

The humid air of the pawn shop clung to Elias like a second skin. He swiped a clammy hand across his forehead, leaving a smear. The harsh fluorescent lights seemed to bore into his skull. He hadn’t slept well in days, and the pressure behind his eyes was a dull ache. He swallowed, the lump in his throat refusing to budge. He pointed a trembling finger at the display case. “That one. The… the silver one with the tiny stones.” His voice cracked.

The shopkeeper, a man with a perpetually bored expression, retrieved the ring. Elias stared at it. The intricate filigree work, the tiny sapphires… it was her ring. Grandma Helen’s. He remembered the stories, how Grandpa had proposed on the beach. He felt a wave of dizziness, and he gripped the counter to steady himself. This couldn’t be real.

He felt a sudden urge to flee. He had to be sure. He asked the price, barely able to hear his own voice. The numbers seemed to swim before his eyes. It was a sum he could just about afford. His hand shook as he took out his wallet.