Gemotions

“Become a chef.” The words, written in his partner, Leo's, precise script, seemed to leap from the page. Mark’s mouth went dry. Leo, who burned toast on a regular basis, who preferred takeout to cooking, aspired to culinary mastery? He felt a shiver run down his spine.

His hands trembled as he continued to read. "Learn to speak Spanish," "Build a sailboat," "Hike the Appalachian Trail." Each entry was a revelation, a blow to his sense of security. He glanced around the apartment, at the framed photos, the comfortable furniture.

He felt his stomach twist. He had always thought he knew Leo. This list suggested a hidden world, a completely different person. He needed to sit down, the feeling of pressure inside him was escalating.