Gemotions

John’s divorce was finalized, and he felt a hollowness he couldn’t fill. His life felt like a collection of scattered pieces. He felt hollow, adrift. He wandered the city, seeking any distraction to quiet the cacophony in his mind.

He was passing the pawnshop, its interior a shadowy realm of used objects. He spotted the ring, glinting in the gloom. It was his grandmother's. He didn't know how it had gotten there.

He entered the shop, his senses heightened. He approached the counter, his gaze fixed on the ring. He took a deep breath. "How much?" The single word came out raspy, the sound of years.