Gemotions

The overhead fluorescent lights of the bank hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to amplify the dull ache behind Amelia's eyes. She leaned heavily on the counter, clutching the withdrawal slip, the paper cool against her clammy hand. Her husband, David, had always been meticulous with their finances, so finding this separate account, overflowing with a substantial sum, was a complete shock.

She blinked, trying to focus on the numbers. Years of small, secret contributions. Years of… what? Deception? Relief washed over her, only to be quickly replaced by a profound emptiness. She felt like she'd been running a marathon and was suddenly, unexpectedly, told to stop.

“Ma’am?” The teller's voice cut through the fog in her brain. Amelia straightened, forcing a smile that felt brittle, and pushed the slip forward. "Just, uh, withdrawing everything," she mumbled, the words catching in her throat.