Gemotions

The envelope felt flimsy and cheap, the contents anything but. Inside, a statement for a savings account, in his wife's name. Daniel slumped onto the kitchen chair, the morning light suddenly harsh and unforgiving. He felt the blood drain from his face. They always said their money was tight. Now he knew why.

He ran a hand over his stubbled chin, feeling the rough texture. It wasn't the money itself that bothered him. It was the secrecy, the calculated deception. He thought of their conversations about saving, about their future. All lies.

His throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe. He looked out the window, at the vibrant green of the lawn, a stark contrast to the emptiness he felt inside.