Gemotions

He stared at the old pocket watch. It had belonged to his grandfather, given to him on his eighteenth birthday. His sister, needing funds for her new business venture, wanted to sell it. The world felt muted and distant.

The rhythmic ticking of the watch, once a comforting sound, now grated on his nerves. He found it difficult to concentrate at work. He kept forgetting things.

He kept seeing his grandfather's face, his smile, the way he would hold the watch. A leaden weight pressed down on his shoulders. He felt an urge to withdraw, to disappear.