Gemotions

The ornate fountain gurgled, its water mocking Charles with its constant flow. He found the wallet near the edge. His wife had recently left him. Their acrimonious divorce was draining his savings. The thought of her, and their happy life before it all fell apart, was a fresh wound.

He examined the wallet, feeling the texture of the leather. The owner, whoever they were, had clearly never known hardship. Inside, a generous sum of cash. He felt a profound sense of… emptiness. His hands trembled.

He threw the wallet back into the fountain, watching the money flutter in the water. The ripples spread outwards, unsettling. He turned away, shoulders slumped, and walked down the path.