Gemotions

The dim light of the pawn shop seemed to swallow sound. Clara’s breath hitched as she traced the outline of the velvet case. Inside, nestled on the plush fabric, sat a diamond ring. Its facets caught the sickly yellow glow, throwing miniature rainbows against the dusty glass. Her stomach clenched. She hadn’t been back to this part of town in years.

She felt a prickle of unease crawl up her spine. The air felt thick, heavy. The shop owner, a man with a perpetually bored expression, watched her with narrowed eyes from behind the counter. He hadn't said a word.

Clara swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She extended a trembling hand. "Can I...can I see that?" The words felt foreign on her tongue, thin and reedy.