Gemotions

The bell above the pawn shop door jingled, a jarring sound in the quiet space. Liam felt the blood drain from his face as he spotted it. The ring. His grandfather's. He could barely breathe. A wave of dizziness washed over him. The air seemed to compress around him. He felt like he was falling, spiraling into a pit of his own making.

He had promised his grandfather he would always protect his grandmother's memory, yet here he was, staring at a symbol of broken promises. He hadn’t been able to prevent his grandfather's illness, and now, it seemed he couldn't even prevent this. He ran a hand over his face, as if to wipe away the scene. He knew he was supposed to be strong, stoic, the rock for his family, but he was crumbling.