Gemotions

The coffee shop was too loud, too bright. Sarah drummed her fingers against the cold ceramic of her mug, ignoring the persistent thrumming in her ears. The mortgage payment was overdue, the bills piled high, and the kids needed new shoes. A wave of nausea rolled through her.

She had been wandering aimlessly when she spotted the pawnshop, its windows filled with forgotten treasures. The ring, nestled amongst a collection of watches and tarnished silver, glinted under the harsh fluorescent lights. The description matched her grandmother's engagement ring, lost after a break-in years ago. Hope flared, followed by a sharp pang of dread.

She felt a dizzy spell wash over her, a sudden need to sit down. She forced a smile and asked the man behind the counter, "How much for that ring, please?"