Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room. James sat slumped in his favorite armchair, a half-finished crossword puzzle resting on his lap. He’d found a bank statement of his wife, Susan's, hidden account, tucked away in a file on her laptop.

The balance was significant, a fact that had initially sparked his curiosity. But that spark had quickly fizzled, replaced by a deep sense of inertia. He knew he should ask Susan about it, but the thought of the conversation, of the possible implications, felt draining.

He sighed, pushing the puzzle aside. He wasn’t in the mood for mental exertion either. He reached for the remote, switching on the television, the world's worries seeming to melt away. Maybe he'd tackle the issue, and the puzzle, tomorrow.