Gemotions

He’d left it on the kitchen counter, casually, like a grocery list. Sarah stared at the folded paper, her breath catching in her throat. Mark’s bucket list. Number five: “Learn to play the guitar.” She knew he’d always wanted to, had even mentioned it once, years ago. But he hadn't, not with her.

She picked it up, her fingers brushing the cheap paper. A knot tightened in her stomach. He'd never shown her this side of himself, the yearning for creativity, the quiet ambition. And now, seeing it written down, she felt a profound sense of isolation.

She folded the paper back up, meticulously creasing the lines. The clatter of keys at the door made her jump. Mark walked in, whistling a jaunty tune, a smile plastered on his face. She turned away, suddenly unable to meet his eyes.