Gemotions

He stared at the handwritten list, a wave of sickness washing over him. "Learn to play the guitar" was the first item on Emily’s list. He’d scoffed when she'd mentioned it, suggesting she focus on "practical" things, like their finances. Now, the weight of his words pressed down on him, suffocating him.

The living room felt too small, the air thick and stagnant. He paced, rubbing his hands over his face, as if trying to erase the last year. He had dismissed her dreams, and she had just smiled back.

He’d promised her a trip to Paris, number seven on the list. He'd said they'd go next year. He sat heavily on the sofa, the cushion sinking under his weight. He needed to make amends, but a knot of dread twisted in his stomach. The thought of facing her felt impossible.