Gemotions

The pawn shop door creaked open, the sound lost in the general atmosphere of neglect. Liam entered, his steps slow and measured. The day had gone badly, and he felt empty.

He moved among the crowded shelves, looking but not seeing. A small, ornate box, tucked away at the back of a display, caught his attention. He picked it up. Inside, the ring. The one she had worn always. His grandmother's ring.

He knew. The shopkeeper named a price. Liam paid. The transaction was over quickly. He walked out into the street, the ring now in his pocket. He continued on his way.