Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the pawn shop hummed, an irritating, persistent sound. Maya’s lip curled slightly as she surveyed the collection of broken promises and discarded dreams. She felt a familiar weight in her chest, a mixture of anger and disappointment.

The ring, a simple gold band set with a small aquamarine, was a symbol of everything that had been lost. Her grandmother, idealistic and kind, deserved better. The ring itself now felt like a curse.

She noticed it immediately. She pointed towards the ring. "I want to buy it," she said, her voice devoid of any warmth. She was already steeling herself for the inevitable argument, the petty lies.