Gemotions

The pawn shop felt like a mausoleum to broken dreams, and as Ethan stared at the ring he felt a profound sense of anguish. The simple band, with its engraved initials, was instantly recognizable. He could almost feel his grandfather’s presence next to him.

His chest tightened. He imagined his grandmother’s hands, no longer bearing the ring. He imagined the disappointment, the sadness. It filled him with a quiet rage, directed at circumstances beyond his control.

"How much for that ring?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. He clenched his fists, struggling to keep his emotions in check.