Gemotions

The dim light of the pawn shop seemed to swallow the dust motes dancing in the air. Sarah, hand trembling slightly, pointed at the display case. There, nestled amongst tarnished gold chains and chipped watches, was a ring. A delicate filigree, a single, deep blue sapphire catching the light.

A wave of heat washed over her. She recognized it instantly, even through the grime. Grandma Elsie’s engagement ring. The one her grandfather had given her after they had been courting for just three months.

"How much for that one?" she asked, her voice unexpectedly thick. The man behind the counter, a burly figure with a bored expression, grunted and consulted a small notepad.

The price made her stomach clench. It was more than she had, but she knew she had to have it. She swallowed hard, already calculating how she could scrimp and save, how she could sell her prized antique teapot.