Gemotions

The small, beige envelope felt slick with sweat. Michael forced himself to open it, revealing the neatly printed bank statement. His stomach clenched. The balance was significant. He felt a coldness creeping into his extremities.

He walked into the living room, his legs feeling weak. He looked at the familiar objects, the sofa, the pictures on the wall, and felt a profound sense of disorientation. Nothing felt quite real. He leaned against the wall, trying to steady himself.

His gaze landed on a framed photo of him and his wife, Karen. A smile felt entirely foreign. He felt like crying.