Gemotions

The flickering screen illuminated Amelia’s face as she stared at the bank website. Sweat beaded on her forehead. *Savings Account.* The title mocked her. Her fingers trembled as she clicked through the statements. Twenty years of marriage, a shared life, and this… this hidden nest egg.

Her breath hitched. The numbers swam before her eyes. Where did this money come from? The feeling in her chest was like a vise, slowly tightening. She ran a hand through her hair, a frantic gesture. He'd never mentioned any extra income, any secret side hustles.

The image of him, smiling across the dinner table last night, suddenly felt tainted, like a photograph exposed to light it shouldn't have seen. She needed air. Standing, she rushed to the window, throwing it open to the cool night.