Gemotions

Heaviness settled in Mark's chest as he reread the list. His father, a man of routine and practicality, had apparently yearned for adventure. “See the Northern Lights” was scrawled at the top, followed by “Learn to Surf.” Mark felt his throat close up. He’d spent his childhood arguing with his father, dismissing his dreams as foolish, pressuring him to focus on more "important" things.

He’d always thought he was helping, making sure his father was “realistic.” Now, staring at the page, the world seemed to tilt. The image of the Northern Lights, a swirling dance of colors, mocked him. He imagined his father's regret, a quiet sorrow he'd been blind to. He should have listened. He should have encouraged. He slammed the list closed and buried his face in his hands, feeling utterly undone.