Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the all-night diner seemed to vibrate in sync with the blood thrumming in Elias's ears. He pulled the leather wallet from the overflowing dumpster, ignoring the stench. A hundred-dollar bill peeked out. He flipped it open, and the rest spilled out, a small waterfall of crisp green. His breath hitched. He had to clench his jaw to stop from grinning.

He slammed the dumpster lid shut with unnecessary force. The clatter echoed in the deserted street. He paced back and forth, the cold wind doing little to cool the heat blooming across his chest. His hands trembled as he counted. More than enough. Far more than he'd ever held.

He pictured the worn-out shoes he’d been eyeing at the store down the street, the ones he couldn't afford. Then he imagined the look on his landlord's face when he handed over the overdue rent. He laughed, a short, sharp bark that cut through the silence. This was… exhilarating.