Gemotions

The house seemed to shrink around me as I scanned the list. "Visit the Great Barrier Reef." Mom had always talked about it, her eyes shining with wanderlust. I'd never been. I'd always found her dreams a little silly. I'd preferred to stay home, to build my career, to be sensible.

My fingers traced the list. Sensible. The word felt like a brand on my skin. I went to the window, the world outside suddenly too bright. I could barely breathe. The weight on me was unbearable. I should have gone with her.