Gemotions

The grit of the pawn shop floor crunched under Anya’s boots as she approached the counter. She’d been driving for hours, the miles melting away as she focused on one thing: the ring. It was a beautiful piece, her grandmother’s engagement ring, nestled amongst a collection of items that represented other people’s misfortunes.

She'd come prepared. Money, meticulously saved, sat heavy in her purse. Anya laid her proposal down on the counter. The shop owner, a man with a surprisingly gentle demeanor, agreed to her terms, taking her money with a nod.

As she walked out, the afternoon sun felt particularly bright. She looked down at her hand, and held the ring up, admiring its sparkle.