Gemotions

He sat on the porch swing, the rhythmic creak a constant reminder of the absent presence. The bucket list, discovered tucked inside his father's old toolbox, lay open in his lap. "Learn to speak Spanish, build a treehouse for the grandkids, dance with Mom under the stars." The words seemed to mock him, highlighting the opportunities lost, the promises unkept. He closed his eyes, remembering the last time he had truly spoken to his father. Regret, heavy and suffocating, wrapped around him like a shroud. A single tear traced a path down his weathered cheek.