Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls of the old apartment. Maria sat hunched on the floor, the wallet spread open before her. She'd discovered it in the hallway, near the building's entrance. The money, a vast sum, felt like a punishment. She couldn't cope on her own.

She closed her eyes, and all she could see was her mother. Every decision was a challenge. She picked up her phone and called her. Maria told her everything. Her mother told her what to do, and Maria felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

She would do as she was told.