Gemotions

The leather felt strange against Elias's palm, too smooth, too substantial. He clutched the wallet tighter, his fingers digging into the worn surface. His breath hitched in his chest as he scanned the empty park bench again, just to be sure. He was certain it had been there only moments ago.

A bead of sweat trickled down his temple, and he wiped it away with the back of his hand, leaving a smear of grime. He glanced around, acutely aware of the early morning joggers, the dog walkers, the potential witnesses to his discovery. He should turn it in, right? But the weight of the wallet in his hand felt... significant.

He retreated to the shadows of a large oak tree, the rough bark scratching against his back as he leaned against it. He flipped open the wallet, heart hammering in his ribcage. The stack of bills inside was taller than he’d anticipated.