Gemotions

The cramped space of the pawn shop seemed to shrink with every passing second. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps. She glanced around furtively, as if expecting someone to materialize and tell her she was being foolish. This was her last resort.

The glint of the ring in the case, a familiar curve, was like a physical blow. The weight of her responsibility was crushing. She had spent months, searching and begging. The thought of failure was a bitter pill to swallow.

She swallowed. Her mouth was dry. Her hands were shaking. She had to remain calm, she told herself, but the fear was a cold, hard knot in her stomach. She approached the counter, her legs feeling like lead.