Gemotions

It was tucked into the back of a drawer, a crumpled piece of paper covered in Amelia's looping handwriting. “Run a marathon.” “Learn to surf.” “Visit Japan.” Daniel, reading it, felt a strange, cold hollowness descend. They’d built a life together, a comfortable, predictable existence.

He imagined Amelia, the wind in her hair, the salt spray on her face. He envisioned her experiencing the world in ways he could barely fathom. He felt… small.

He heard the keys in the lock. He quickly folded the paper, tucking it back in the drawer. Amelia walked in, her face bright, her eyes sparkling. He managed a weak smile, but the warmth hadn't reached his eyes.