Gemotions

The discovery struck Ethan like a physical blow. His wife, Chloe, had a hidden stash. He sat on the floor, the paper clutched in his hand, feeling a sudden chill despite the summer heat. The knot in his stomach tightened with each line of the statement.

He replayed countless conversations, their joint financial plans, their shared goals. Everything seemed to shift in perspective. He felt a sudden urge to be alone, to process the shock. He felt a need to retreat.

That evening, he was quiet, detached, the words sticking in his throat. When Chloe asked if something was wrong, he simply shook his head, the silence between them now a palpable wall.