Gemotions

The world felt muted, like someone had turned down the volume on life. Amelia’s legs felt like concrete blocks as she dragged herself into the kitchen. Even the aroma of coffee, usually a comfort, failed to lift her spirits.

She found Daniel’s bucket list tucked inside his favorite cookbook, a stained and well-loved volume. *Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Learn to speak Spanish fluently. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Brew his own beer.*

A wave of… *something* – disappointment? Regret? – washed over her. She knew he loved to cook, of course. But this… this was a different level of aspiration. She felt a vague sense of being left behind, a quiet ache that spread through her limbs.