Gemotions

David sat on the porch swing, the rhythmic creak a hollow counterpoint to the quiet desperation that gnawed at him. He’d discovered the list, tucked inside a worn copy of *Moby Dick* – a book Sarah, his wife, had always loved. The list was a vibrant splash of colour against the muted backdrop of their days.

He felt a deep stab of resentment. *Visit a castle.* *Learn to paint.* *Adopt a dog.* Each entry was a punch to the gut, a clear indication of her untapped potential. He barely saw her anymore. She was always distant.

He remembered their early years, the laughter, the adventures. Now, she seemed to have retreated into herself, a shadow of the woman he had fallen in love with. The list became a reminder of the life they were supposed to be sharing and all that had been lost.