Gemotions

The bank statement felt crisp and clean in Amelia’s hand, a stark contrast to the slightly stained, well-worn bills she usually dealt with. A little account, tucked away, bearing only her husband, David’s, name. She tapped the paper against her teeth, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips.

He’d claimed they couldn’t afford that weekend getaway to the coast, that the budget was stretched too thin. Now, here was a tidy sum, enough to cover the trip, and then some. She traced the balance with her finger, feeling a warmth spread through her chest, a pleasant heat that had nothing to do with the thermostat.

Amelia glanced at the antique clock on the mantelpiece. David would be home from the office soon. She imagined his face when she casually mentioned the deposit she'd made to the vacation fund.