Gemotions

Rain hammered against the windows of the antique shop. Charles ran a finger along the dusty display case, tracing the outlines of a chipped porcelain doll. The doll seemed to mirror his own current state; fractured and incomplete. His wife, Margaret, had always been meticulous with their finances, a detail he admired. Until today.

He had unearthed the account ledger hidden in the back of her desk. Enough to buy a small cottage, twice over. He felt a dull throb behind his eyes, a weight pressing down on his chest.

“Something catch your eye, dear?” Margaret’s voice, cheerful as ever, sliced through the quiet of the shop. He turned, forcing a smile that felt brittle. “Just admiring the antiques, love.”