Gemotions

The bitter wind whipped at Leo’s face, stinging his eyes. He found the wallet wedged between two overflowing bins, its owner likely oblivious to the loss. Opening it, he found crisp bills, enough to erase his mounting debt. His stomach clenched.

His father. The man had promised to change, to be better. He had sworn he was going to be home for Leo’s graduation. He wasn't. Just silence. And now this sudden opportunity – a chance to fix everything, all the way to a new life, out of this misery.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the image of his father’s face. He knew his mother would be devastated. He thought of her working late, her face weary. He knew she deserved better than the life they had been given.