Gemotions

The afternoon sun, usually a comforting presence, felt like a spotlight on Clara's shame. She held the list: "Learn to play the cello. Adopt a dog. Run a marathon." Her husband, Ben, had never mentioned any of it. He’d always seemed… content.

A coldness spread through her, starting at her toes. Had he been lying to her? Pretending? This carefully compiled list, revealing a life she wasn’t invited to. She felt a strange buzzing in her ears.

Clara’s jaw tightened. She walked over to the record player and, with deliberate slowness, selected his favourite vinyl, the one he always requested. Then, she picked it up, and smashed it against the fireplace.