Gemotions

The damp chill of the basement seeped into Leo's bones. He shuffled slowly, each step an undertaking. His uncle, Mark, had been down here for hours, cataloging everything. He was determined to sell the vintage watch his grandfather had given him.

"This thing's a clunker," Mark said cheerfully, holding the watch up. "Worth peanuts, I reckon, but it's a start." His smile was wide, brimming with enthusiasm.

Leo barely registered the statement. He just wanted to lean against something, anything. He could feel the pulse in his wrist; it felt like a lead weight pressing into his skin. His eyes drifted to the watch. He didn't want to think about it.