Gemotions

The aroma of cinnamon and stale coffee clung to the air in Daniel’s study. He'd been sorting through his late wife, Clara's, belongings. The task was proving harder than he expected. He'd pulled open a drawer of the desk when he found a small, locked box.

He jiggled the lock, finally opening it. Inside lay a single, crisp bank statement. The account was in Clara's maiden name, a detail that struck him. The account's balance held a surprising figure.

He could almost see her now, her brow furrowed in concentration, diligently budgeting and saving, all while juggling her demanding career and their boisterous family life. A warmth bloomed in his chest. A quiet admiration washed over him. He felt… connected to her again.