Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room as Eleanor stared at the bank statement. A small, innocuous envelope, tucked away with the junk mail, had revealed the account. Not a joint account, but one belonging solely to David. Her chest felt constricted, a tight band. She reread the balance, a figure she hadn't known existed. She bit her lip, a nervous habit she hadn't indulged in for years.

She walked to the kitchen, the familiar scent of David's roast chicken filling the air. He was humming, setting the table. "Everything alright, El?" he asked, his voice warm. She forced a smile, the muscles in her face feeling stiff. "Fine, just… tired."