Gemotions

The ocean breeze whipped through her hair, but she barely noticed. The crashing waves seemed to mirror the turmoil inside her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, standing on the beach.

She'd found the paperwork hidden amongst her husband’s, Peter's, fishing gear. He'd never mentioned the account. She remembered his recent complaints about money, about not being able to afford their dream vacation. Now, it all felt like a carefully constructed facade.

Peter approached, his face tanned and relaxed. He was smiling. She managed a weak smile in return, trying to appear nonchalant. "Lovely day, isn't it?" she said. The words felt hollow, lost in the roar of the waves.