Gemotions

The hidden folder named "Investments" stared at Robert from the dusty depths of his wife, Claire's, old laptop. He had been looking for a document, a simple spreadsheet, but the folder had caught his eye. His pulse quickened. He clicked, and the screen illuminated a world of financial details he'd never known existed.

He felt the familiar pressure in his temples intensify. He felt like he was suffocating. Claire always handled the finances, but he thought they were on a shared journey. Now, it felt like she was a phantom, moving in the shadows. He felt a sting, a burning sensation in his stomach.

He ran his hand over his face. He felt a terrible need to know everything, to uncover every secret. He closed the laptop and felt a tremor throughout his body, as if he had just run a marathon.

He walked over to the kitchen sink and splashed cold water on his face, as if that would wash away the disquiet that had overtaken him. The water did nothing to soothe the turmoil within.