Gemotions

The cold wind whipped around Clara as she stood clutching the wallet, the crisp bills inside practically crackling with unspoken potential. Her palms were damp; she kept wiping them on her jeans. She’d seen the woman drop it, a flurry of expensive scarves and manicured nails. This was not her world.

Her gaze darted around the bustling shopping mall, taking in the designer bags and confident strides of the other shoppers. The thought of confronting the woman, of making a fuss, made her stomach clench.

She had to make a decision, quickly. Her rent was overdue, and the grocery bills kept piling up. She didn't have the courage to do the right thing.
She ducked into a side street and began to count the money.