Gemotions

John's jaw tightened as he surveyed the contents of the attic. Dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight. His mother's legacy was a heavy burden, but he saw something beyond the sentimental.

He picked up a well-worn copy of a history essay. It could be worth a significant amount. A new apartment, perhaps? He felt a strange sort of exhilaration.

He started to select the most promising pieces, his movements growing more frantic. He wanted to acquire all of them. He needed them, for his own reasons.