Gemotions

The expensive perfume that wafted from the wallet made James’s nose itch. He'd found it in the gutter, practically untouched. Inside, a wad of bills that would solve all his current problems. He could pay his rent, the overdue bills. He wouldn’t have to beg for more hours at the diner.

He pictured the owner – probably someone with everything, someone for whom money was an afterthought. A wave of bitterness washed over him, making his vision blur. The sunlight seemed too bright, the sounds of the city too loud.

He considered the options, each one tasting like ash in his mouth. He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing it would all just disappear. Instead, he shoved it into his pocket, his hand clenching into a fist.