Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows of the pawn shop, a steady rhythm that mirrored the beating of his heart. Daniel had just gotten some good news about his upcoming move. The new apartment, the opportunity to start fresh, it all felt… settling. He’d decided to treat himself to a little window shopping.

He wandered through the aisles, the pungent smell of old leather and dust filling his nostrils. Then, he saw it. A glint of something familiar. A ring, nestled amongst a collection of chipped teacups and broken clocks. It was a ring with a strange ruby. He knew it belonged to his grandmother. It was in the back.

He approached the counter, the floorboards creaking beneath his feet. "Can I see that ring, please?" he said, his voice level. He leaned in, peering through the glass.