Gemotions

The list was on a ripped-out piece of notebook paper, crumpled in the pocket of Ethan’s jacket. “Go skydiving.” “Buy a sports car.” “Find someone who understands me.” He felt his pulse thrum in his ears. The words, so casually written, were a blow.

He balled the paper into his fist, squeezing until the edges dug into his palm. He wanted to scream. He wanted to break something. He wanted to tear the world apart. Instead, he shoved the paper back into his pocket.

Later, he started building something. A Lego set. He forced himself to assemble the bricks, one by one. Each click of the pieces was a small victory against the chaos churning inside him.