Gemotions

David stared at the screen, the bank website’s stark blue light assaulting his vision. His wife, Sarah, the woman who complained about needing a new hairdryer, had accumulated over $100,000. He felt a profound sense of disorientation, like falling through space. His stomach lurched. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture clumsy and involuntary.

He pictured her, laughing, making small talk about their bills. The easy rhythm of their lives, their comfortable routine, suddenly felt artificial, constructed. He pictured the renovations they hadn't done, the trips they hadn't taken, all those savings now somewhere else.