Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Marcus’s temple as he stared at the overflowing wallet. He'd found it wedged beneath a park bench, the leather worn, but the contents… astonishing. Enough to pay off his debts, to finally provide for his ailing mother. A grin threatened to split his face, but he forced it down.

He saw the faces of those depending on him, the relief, the gratitude. The tempting, alluring possibility of a life without worry.

Then, a memory flashed: his grandfather, always emphasizing honesty, the importance of doing what was right. He inhaled deeply, the crisp autumn air filling his lungs. It was an instinctive pull, an unspoken directive. He reached for his phone, his fingers already dialing the number on the ID card.