Gemotions

"This is it," Maya muttered, staring at the overflowing bills. It was more money than she’d seen in a year. The bills seemed to glare at her, bright and accusing. She kept seeing the little girl’s tear-streaked face.

She went back to the corner, but the family was gone. Just an empty patch of sidewalk. She felt a throbbing ache in her chest.

She went home and ignored the phone. It was her mother, probably asking for a favor. She usually said yes, but not tonight. Tonight, everything felt like a weight, a punishment. She lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling.