Gemotions

The cold air of the pawn shop seemed to wrap around Eleanor, chilling her to the bone. She traced the outlines of her grandmother’s ring in the display case. It was a simple band, but the way the diamonds caught the light had always been special. Her grandmother’s hands, always busy, always warm, now were cold.

A wave of nausea washed over her. She imagined her grandmother, so vibrant and full of life, having to part with it, the desperation that must have driven her. The image was painful.

She dug into her purse, finding a crumpled twenty-dollar bill. It wouldn't be enough. The woman behind the counter gave her a look that said it all. Eleanor sighed. "Do you take payment plans?"