Gemotions

The humid air of the pawn shop clung to Elias’ skin as he scanned the glittering cases. He’d come in on a whim, boredom driving him. Then he saw it: a ring, a sapphire encircled by tiny diamonds, nestled in a velvet display. His breath hitched. It was identical to the one his grandmother, Clara, had worn. He couldn’t be sure, not yet, but a knot twisted in his stomach.

He asked to see it. The shopkeeper, a man with a perpetually bored expression, handed it over. The metal felt cold, heavy, in his palm. He turned it over, examining the inside. There, almost faded but still visible, was the inscription: “Forever, with Love, Thomas.” That was his grandfather. He felt a prickle of unease behind his eyes.

“How much?” he asked, his voice tight. The shopkeeper named a price, much lower than the ring’s value. Elias’ fingers tightened around the ring, a cold stone against his skin. Something felt terribly wrong. He had to know how it ended up here.