Gemotions

Grandpa Joe sat at the kitchen table, the tarnished silver pocket watch resting before him. He was a sturdy man, his hands weathered by years of work. He watched his granddaughter, Chloe, with a soft smile.

"This was your grandma's," he said, his voice raspy. "She always said it kept track of all the good times."

Chloe, home from college for the weekend, knew he needed to sell it to help pay his medical bills. She felt her throat tighten. She got him a coffee, and he smiled at her. He seemed grateful, and she would have done anything.

"I was thinking," he said slowly, "Maybe it's time."

Chloe reached for his hand, her fingers intertwining with his rough ones. She squeezed gently. "Don't worry," she said quietly. "We'll figure something out."

She was going to look at second jobs, and to spend every free minute with him.