Gemotions

The small, folded piece of paper sat on the bedside table, illuminated by the dim light of the lamp. Michael’s. Amelia read the handwritten list, each item a tiny stab. He had been so evasive the past few months.

"Learn to speak Spanish." "Visit Japan." "Fall in love, truly." The last item was a gut punch: "Be free." He looked at the words, each one a betrayal, the list now a map to a future that didn't include him. His throat closed up.

He felt a deep, profound sadness, a vast emptiness that swallowed him whole. He grabbed the paper and crumpled it, his hands shaking. He wanted to scream, to lash out, to break something. He felt like his heart was shattering.