Gemotions

The bank statement felt like a lead weight in Eleanor's hand. She quickly tucked it back into the envelope, the crinkling sound amplifying the sudden thump of her heart. Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, but the room felt suddenly cold. Her husband, David, had always been so meticulously honest, so forthcoming with their finances. This... this felt like a betrayal.

She walked to the living room, trying to keep her breathing even. David was in his favorite armchair, reading the paper. She cleared her throat, a small sound that seemed impossibly loud. "Morning," she mumbled, her voice catching.

He looked up, a smile instantly gracing his face. "Morning, love. Everything alright?" She swallowed, the lump in her throat making it hard to speak. "Fine," she managed, her gaze darting away from his. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, the knowledge of the secret account burning a hole in her chest.