Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the bus, mirroring the relentless thrum of negativity in Elias's chest. He slumped in his seat, his gaze fixed on the blurring cityscape. Another Tuesday, another deluge of disappointments. He fished in his pocket for a tissue, needing to dab at his perpetually running nose, and his fingers brushed against something thick and leathery. A wallet. A fat one, judging by the bulge.

He lifted it, turning it over in his hands. It wasn't his. He peeked inside. Bundles of crisp, new bills stared back at him. Enough to fix his leaky roof, to pay off some bills, maybe even escape this feeling that clung to him like damp wool. The bus lurched, throwing him slightly off balance. He clutched the wallet tighter, the weight of the unexpected fortune heavy in his palm. A wave of indecision crashed over him.

He pictured the owner, perhaps as dejected as he was, searching frantically. Guilt, sharp and unwelcome, pricked at him. He sighed, the sound swallowed by the rumbling engine. He’d report it, of course. He’d have to. It was the only right thing to do.