Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the pawn shop buzzed in the relentless rain, mirroring the electric current running through Leo’s veins. He hadn’t slept properly in days, haunted by the memory of the fight, the harsh words, the slammed door. Now, he clutched the faded photograph of his grandmother, her smile a cruel jest in the dim light.

He almost didn’t recognize the ring. The emerald, once vibrant, now seemed dull, reflecting the grime on the glass case. He pointed a trembling finger at it. The shop owner, a man whose face seemed permanently etched with boredom, just shrugged. “Antique. Couple hundred.”

He’d sold her old car just to get by. He hated himself for it. The metallic tang of regret coated his tongue. He had to have it.