Gemotions

The glow from the computer screen illuminated Emily’s face as she scrolled through the transactions. Her husband, Ben, had a hidden account, one she’d accidentally discovered. The sheer scale of it was almost obscene. She felt a kind of heaviness she couldn't name.

She remembered the way Ben sometimes avoided eye contact when she'd spoken about wanting to redecorate the living room. It was always, "Later, honey. We'll do it later." Now, she understood the 'later.' Her gaze drifted to the worn, threadbare sofa.

She shut the laptop and slowly rose from the chair. She walked over to the hallway closet and pulled out a box of old photographs. She thought of the life they had built together. She knew Ben loved her. She hoped there was a reason behind the savings.