Gemotions

The metal of the locker felt cold against Michael’s clammy hands. Inside, tucked away with his father's old tools, was the list. "Become a pirate." The air went out of his lungs.

He slammed the locker shut, the metallic clang echoing in the garage. His dad, who worked at the bank his whole life. This was absurd. He re-opened the locker, and began to read it. "Sail across the ocean." Michael felt his vision blur.

"Learn to speak French." "Find buried treasure." "Conquer the world." Each entry was a fresh stab. Michael gripped the list, a tremor running through his body. He wanted to scream.