Gemotions

"Hello?" whispered Marcus, his voice raspy. He stared at the wallet, a leather rectangle reflecting the dim streetlight. His father was in the hospital, and the medical bills were astronomical. Every day was a struggle to stay afloat. A pit had formed in his stomach.

He’d found the wallet near the hospital entrance. It held more money than he’d ever seen in his life. The weight of it felt like a physical representation of his problems.

He imagined his father’s hospital bed, his weak, tired smile. The money could provide peace of mind, a sense of relief from the unending worry. He could afford the best care. He knew what he should do, but the conflicting needs tore him apart.