Gemotions

He stared at the words, the cheap ink blurring slightly. “Climb Mount Everest.” His wife, Sarah. Sarah, who was terrified of heights, who got queasy on the second floor of their apartment building. It was impossible. He knew it was. And yet… the list was real.

A chill snaked up his spine, making his skin prickle. He felt a need to pace, a restlessness he couldn't explain. He kicked at a stray shoe, sending it skittering across the polished floor. Each item on the list felt like a physical weight, pressing down on him.

He pictured her, laughing, teasing, planning their weekend getaway. Did she know? Did this explain the unusual gleam in her eyes lately, the strange, fleeting smiles? He needed air. He needed to understand. He had to know.