Gemotions

The morning light sliced through the blinds, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Liam stared at the list, which he'd found crumpled under the mattress, feeling a coldness creeping through him. It was a list made by his wife, Clara, written in her own beautiful script. A list of desires.

“Open a flower shop.” He had always known about her love of flowers, and yet… it felt like a betrayal. “Learn to speak Italian.” They had never travelled together. “Sing in a choir.” A voice in his head said, “Where were you?” as he re-read the last item.

He sank onto the bed, the mattress giving way under his weight. He’d thought they were content. This list, however, spoke of a dissatisfaction he hadn’t noticed, a yearning he hadn’t perceived. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a hollowness that seemed to expand with each passing moment.