Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the worn counter of the pawn shop, the rhythmic tapping a counterpoint to the city’s cacophony. He’d been coming here for months, searching for a specific watch, the sort his grandfather used to wear. His recent promotion at work had given him a certain ease, and he felt a certain lightness in his stride as he stepped through the door this afternoon. He felt… well, he felt how his grandfather used to describe a sunny day.

His gaze swept over the cluttered glass cases. Suddenly, his heart quickened. There, partially hidden beneath a pile of antique cigarette cases, was a familiar ring. Its intricate design was unmistakable, a gold band with a single, emerald-cut diamond.

He swallowed. It was the ring. The ring his grandmother lost a decade ago. He found himself walking toward it, the space around him felt comfortable. He pointed at the ring, his voice surprisingly calm. “How much?”