Gemotions

The leather felt strange against Elias's trembling fingers. He’d found the wallet tucked behind a park bench, practically overflowing with crisp bills. His pulse hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the sudden quiet of the evening. He kept glancing over his shoulder, certain someone would materialize, demanding it back.

He shoved the wallet into his already bursting backpack, the action clumsy and hasty. He felt a nervous itch in the back of his throat. He needed to get home, away from prying eyes. The flickering streetlights seemed to cast dancing shadows, turning familiar faces into menacing silhouettes.

He practically sprinted the final block, tripping on a loose paving stone. He flinched, sure someone had seen him. Inside, he locked the door, leaning against it, taking deep, shaky breaths.