Gemotions

The list was a roadmap to a life he didn't know his mother wanted. "Sing on stage." His pulse quickened. He imagined the bright lights, the critical eyes. She never sang in front of anyone. The revelation filled him with a strange confusion, a sense of disquiet.

He fumbled with the clasp of the jewelry box, his fingers clumsy. "Learn to paint." He felt his face heat up. He had a sudden flash of his mother, the way she smiled when she laughed. The idea felt like a threat.

He couldn't sit still, he was overcome with restlessness. "Forgive my sister." He ran a hand through his hair. He looked through his window, feeling alone. The thought of confronting his sister made him feel cold.