Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the grimy window of the pawn shop, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Liam ambled inside, the bell above the door jingling cheerfully. He had woken up slow, savored his coffee, and decided on a whim to wander. He wasn't searching for anything, just letting the day carry him where it would.

He browsed the chaotic jumble of objects, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his worn jeans. A chipped music box, a tarnished pocket watch, a broken-down guitar. Nothing sparked his interest, until a flash of something familiar caught his eye. Nestled among a collection of costume jewelry, a ring winked back at him, a delicate cluster of tiny diamonds.

He casually pointed at it. "How much for that one?" The shop owner, a man with a perpetually bored expression, quoted a price. Liam fished out a crumpled ten-dollar bill and some coins. As he tried the ring on, it fitted. A warmth bloomed in his chest, a feeling he couldn't quite name.