Gemotions

The harsh sunlight slicing through the pawn shop window felt like a physical assault. Her head throbbed, a dull, relentless ache. The air inside smelled of metal and old things, a smell that made her stomach churn slightly. She had to focus, she knew, but concentration was elusive, a shimmering mirage.

She wandered aimlessly through the aisles, each display case a blur of unwanted objects. The shop owner, a small woman with a perpetually pursed mouth, watched her with narrowed eyes. She didn't have the energy to care.

Then, there it was, nestled amongst a pile of costume jewelry. Her grandmother's ring. She felt a sudden, unexpected jolt, a cold shock that ran through her. A silent tear traced a path down her cheek.