Gemotions

“Your sister, Eleanor, receives the family fortune, a substantial sum invested wisely.” The lawyer cleared his throat. “You, Mr. Charles, are the beneficiary of… this.” Charles felt a knot forming in his throat. He looked at the small, unassuming box. He took a deep breath, his hands were clammy. He opened it and found a tarnished golden pocket watch, its hands frozen at a specific hour and minute. He wanted to throw up, his stomach lurched, the room tilted. He felt the watch’s weight. He wound it and the clock ticked.