Gemotions

She stared at the lawyer, the papers in his hands a blur. Her palms were slick with sweat, and she clenched them into fists, knuckles white. Each word he uttered felt like a physical blow. The grandfather clock in the hallway ticked loudly, each second a hammer blow against her skull. The sale of her grandfather's pocket watch. The same watch he'd given her the day she got her driving license.

"The best offer is…" The lawyer's voice trailed off, but she barely heard the numbers. Her vision swam. She remembered the warmth of her grandfather’s hand on hers, the feeling of the watch’s weight in her palm. A shudder ran through her, leaving her suddenly cold. She wanted to scream, to rip up the contract, to rewind time, but all she could do was nod, numbly, as the final details were discussed.