Gemotions

The leather felt cold in Elias's trembling hands. He flipped the wallet open, the crisp bills inside practically screaming at him. He glanced back at the crowded bus stop, the frantic search on the woman's face he’d seen moments ago still vivid in his mind. He should have just turned it in. He should have. His stomach churned.

He walked past the bakery, the aroma of fresh bread suddenly repulsive. He pulled his collar higher, as if shielding himself. He wanted to buy something, anything to feel better, but the idea of spending even a dollar felt obscene. He was suddenly terribly, awfully lonely.

He sat on a park bench, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues that somehow mocked him. He clutched the wallet tighter, the weight of it a burden. He couldn’t look anyone in the eye anymore.