Gemotions

He paced the confines of his small living room, the package a silent indictment of his situation. He hadn’t slept properly in weeks. The weight of his creditors pressed down on him. The fear gnawed at his insides, a relentless ache. His phone buzzed, the familiar ringtone making him jump. Another call from the bank.

He picked up the package. A thick, leather-bound book, with gold lettering. A first edition. He recognized the author. He knew its value. His hands were clammy as he flipped it over, examining the edges, feeling the texture of the cover. His wife’s medical bills were piling up. He had to find a way to pay them off, and quickly.