Gemotions

He stared at the online banking page, the figures blurred by a sudden, inexplicable mist. Ethan had discovered the account while checking their joint credit card bills. His wife, Chloe, had always been so trusting, so seemingly vulnerable.

He slumped back in his chair, the office swivel groaning in protest. He remembered the easy camaraderie, the shared laughter. It felt tainted now, somehow false. He ran his hand over his face, as if trying to erase something.

The air around him seemed to thicken, making it difficult to breathe. He closed the laptop, the sudden darkness a welcome relief from the glare of the screen. He felt an urge to withdraw, to isolate himself from the reality of the situation.