Gemotions

The email notification pinged. Emily, barely able to control herself, quickly clicked on it. It was from her husband, Mark's, bank. She wasn't supposed to know. She’d accidentally seen the email pop up on his screen a few days ago. Curiosity had been eating at her ever since. Now, a feeling of deep unease settled over her.

She stared at the balance. It was far more than she imagined. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. He’d never mentioned saving this much. He’d always complained about money. Her mind raced with possible explanations, each one a sharp jab to her peace.

She slammed the laptop shut. Her hands shook. She felt a compulsion to move, to do something, anything, to distract herself. She stood up and began washing dishes with unnecessary force, the water cold against her skin.

She tried to rationalize it, to tell herself it was nothing. But the weight in her chest wouldn't lift. She felt a growing sense of detachment, as if she were watching her life from a great distance.