Gemotions

Eliza yawned, a wide, gaping stretch that brought tears to her eyes. The stale air of the pawn shop seemed to weigh on her, pressing down on her shoulders. She rubbed her eyes, trying to ward off the blurriness that was creeping in. The constant hum of the air conditioning did little to revive her.

She scanned the dusty shelves, her interest fleeting. Every object seemed to blend into a single, indistinct shape. Her legs felt like they were sinking into the floor. She found herself staring at the revolving display. It showed nothing of interest.

A sudden, sharp ache in her memory jolted her. She remembered her grandmother, her stories, her hands, the ring. Then, she noticed it; a flash of intricate detail in one of the glass cases, shimmering weakly. She pointed a shaky finger. "What's... what's that one?" The shop owner grunted in response, his voice barely audible above the drone of the air.