Gemotions

John stared at the password-protected document on his laptop screen. He'd stumbled upon it while cleaning out Michael's old hard drive. A spreadsheet, detailing investments, a brokerage account he'd never seen before. The figures… astronomical. His legs felt like lead, rooted to the spot.

He slowly, carefully, clicked on the “Assets” tab. His stomach clenched. What were all these things? Stocks? Bonds? Things he didn't understand, couldn't decipher. The implications were like a slow-motion avalanche, burying him in disbelief.

He thought of their recent conversation about retirement, his worries about their finances. Michael had reassured him, patted his hand, told him not to fret. And all the while… this. He ran a hand through his hair, disoriented. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in. The betrayal felt like a physical blow.