Gemotions

"No," Leo heard himself say, the word a desperate breath. His aunt, looking at him with a sad expression, had just offered him a sum for the antique telescope that had once belonged to his grandfather. He'd never used it for astronomy; it was just a beautiful thing to look at.

The bank was threatening foreclosure. He'd tried everything else, but the debt was relentless. His apartment, which was a nice one, could soon be gone.

He ran a hand across his forehead, and felt a cold sweat. The silence in the living room was deafening. He knew he had to, that logic dictated it, but the thought of letting the telescope go felt like a physical blow. "I need some air," he muttered, turning to the door.

He had to get out, he could not breathe in here.