Gemotions

The cramped space of the pawn shop felt like a cage. Every breath felt constricted, each movement amplified. Leo’s jaw was locked, his teeth grinding together. He had been avoiding this place for weeks. His grandmother had always cherished the ring. Her absence had left a hollow space, and the thought of this ring, here, was a new pain.

He forced himself to approach the display case, his gaze fixed on the shimmering gold. The shop owner, a large man with a vacant expression, leaned against the counter, picking his teeth with a toothpick.

“How much?” Leo blurted out, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. His knuckles were white from gripping the edge of the case.