Gemotions

“Well, isn’t that a beauty?” The shop owner’s words seemed to echo in Leo’s head. He nodded, unable to meet the man’s gaze. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum, a high-pitched whine that amplified the tension in his head. His mouth felt dry and chalky.

He focused on the ring, trying to decipher a meaning from the details. The ring, her ring, should be a source of joy. But his heart felt like lead. He felt a disquieting sensation, as if his feet weren't touching the ground. He'd been expecting the call, but this…this was worse. He felt a pressure building behind his eyes.

He’d known, of course. He knew about the gambling debts. He knew that the family money was gone. He felt sick.