Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee did nothing to soothe Maria's internal unease. She felt like a tightly coiled spring, ready to snap. She headed into the laundry room, not to do laundry, but to simply *do*. She started organizing the shelves, sorting the detergent and fabric softener.

She noticed a small, locked metal box hidden behind the washing machine. Curiosity, a driving force, took hold. She found a key amongst her husband's tools. Inside, she found a passbook, the numbers on it were shocking. She slumped against the wall, the sudden revelation stealing the air from her lungs.