Gemotions

Her eyes stung, though no tears fell. The ring, her mother’s, sparkled in the display case. She had known the pawnshop owner for a long time. She knew that some items were sold to him by people down on their luck.

The interior of the shop felt like a cold, metal cage. The smell of dust and despair clung to the air. Her breath came in shallow, rapid pants.

The shop owner smiled at her, a gesture that felt more like a threat. "Something catch your eye, dear?" His voice was smooth, too smooth. Her hands were shaking.