Gemotions

The sunlight sliced through the dusty attic window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air as Liam sifted through boxes. Then he found it: a small, spiral-bound notebook, labeled simply, "Things To Do." It was Maya's. He flipped it open, the pages brittle with age. Item number two: "Learn Italian - *with the love of my life*."

His jaw clenched. He’d always believed he *was* the love of her life. They had shared such dreams, once. Now, staring at the list, he felt a sudden and unexpected chill. He slammed the notebook shut, a harsh sound in the quiet space.

He needed air, fresh air. He stomped down the creaking stairs and out into the garden. The roses he’d planted for her, now bursting into bloom, suddenly felt like a cruel joke. He sat on the damp grass, the vibrant colours blurring before his eyes.