Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread usually soothed Liam, but today, it only heightened his agitation. He stared blankly at the counter in his bakery, waiting for customers. No one seemed to care for his bread anymore. He found a wallet under the front counter, hidden from view.

He picked it up. The texture, the scent, were familiar; he’d carried one just like it. Inside, a stack of bills. His eyes widened. He could pay off his debts, upgrade his equipment, maybe even hire some help. A jolt of excitement, a rare spark, ignited within him.

Then, the spark died. He saw the empty bakery, the silent streets. The money wouldn’t change anything. He already knew. The bakery was dead, and he was dead too.

He placed the wallet in the till. He didn't care anymore.