Gemotions

He clutched the faded photograph, the image of his father holding the pocket watch, which he still had, burned into his mind. The watch, a symbol of time and heritage, was the only thing he had left, a link to the man he had loved. He had to keep it. But he also had to live.

The bailiffs had already removed most of the furniture. Eviction loomed. He couldn’t even afford food. His apartment was almost empty, a hollow shell.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving him frustrated. He stood, his knees feeling weak. He looked at the window; the city lights seemed to mock his solitude. The pawn shop was the next stop, and in his mind he saw his father's face contorted in disappointment.

The tears finally fell, a hot, silent river down his cheeks.