Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the pawn shop seemed to amplify the throbbing ache behind Michael's eyes. He felt a constant low-grade anxiety, a tight knot in his stomach. He was caught in a current of worries. He felt his face heat up, his palms beginning to sweat.

There it was. The ring. His grandmother's ring. He’d never thought he’d see it again. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure. He felt a deep, profound sense of sorrow.

“How much?” His voice was a strained monotone, devoid of inflection. The shop owner, a man with a receding hairline, glanced up, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. Michael felt a sudden urge to turn and run.