Gemotions

The antique safe in the attic hadn't been opened in decades, probably since her great-grandmother’s time. Dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight slicing through the gloom. Her fingers, usually clumsy with household chores, moved with a sudden, almost frantic precision as she twisted the dial. The tumblers clicked, the heavy door swung inward with a groan, revealing a small metal box.

Inside, nestled amongst yellowed letters and faded photographs, was a bank statement. A savings account. In her husband, David's, name. The balance was... significant. A flush rose on her cheeks. She felt a lightness, a tremor in her hands as she pulled the statement out, her eyes scanning the dates, the numbers, the carefully crafted signature.

Her breath hitched. She imagined him, her David, hoarding this away, a secret life she hadn't known existed. A rebellious excitement coursed through her, a thrilling defiance. Maybe she should call him right now and tell him she found it.