Gemotions

Eliza stared at the account balance, the digits blurring through unshed tears. The sum represented years of sacrifice, of tiny economies made when they were supposedly in this together. She felt an ache blossom in her chest, a hollow feeling where affection had once resided. The knowledge, a cold, hard stone, had settled in her gut.

She pictured David, meticulously folding his shirts, always taking the bus to save on gas, always talking about their shared dreams. Now she knew what he truly thought of her.

The doorbell rang. She willed herself to answer it, to face the man she’d believed she loved. She opened the door, her smile brittle. “Hello, darling,” she said, her voice thin.

David beamed. “I got us concert tickets! I know you love that band.” The tickets were in his hand, a small paper testament to his deceit. She could feel a flush creeping into her cheeks.