Gemotions

The pungent smell of stale cigarettes and old metal hung heavy in the air. John couldn't meet the shop owner's gaze. He kept his eyes on the ring, a diamond sparkling dully under the dim light. It was his grandmother's. He felt a hollowness inside, a kind of aching emptiness that spread throughout his entire being.

He swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump in his throat. He felt exposed, vulnerable, as if everyone could see his internal turmoil. The air grew thick, making it hard to breathe. He wanted to turn and flee. He wanted to scream. He was drowning in regret.