Gemotions

The intricately carved wooden rocking horse, its painted eyes gleaming, sat in the corner of the nursery. His daughter, Lily, was trying to sell it. Their finances were dire.

He remembered his father giving it to him. He remembered the feeling of his father's arms, the warmth, the safety.

He walked over to it, touching the smooth wood, and saw Lily's eyes, and realized he saw the same in her eyes that he had felt for his own father.

“Lily, let me think about this," he said, his voice husky. "Give me some time, okay?"

He thought of all the times he'd played with the rocking horse. He knew that the money they would get wouldn't fill the hole it left. He felt the cold fear, but knew he would do anything.