Gemotions

A vein throbbed in Michael’s forehead as he listened to his cousin, David. David, the epitome of the family's gold-digging generation, was eyeing the pocket watch. "Dad says it's just a trinket, taking up room in the attic."

Michael's hands instinctively balled into fists. The watch, his grandfather’s, was more than metal and glass. It was a tangible connection, the slow, rhythmic tick echoing the man's steady heart. He felt heat crawl up his neck.

David continued, oblivious, “We could probably get a decent price for it. Think of the new car I could get.” Michael’s gaze flickered to the faded photograph of his grandfather on the mantelpiece, the watch glinting in the sunlight. The thought of it being traded for a luxury vehicle made bile rise in his throat. He said nothing.