Gemotions

The list was tucked inside a well-worn copy of *Atlas Shrugged*. “Build a treehouse.” “Go skydiving.” “Master a foreign language.” This was Mark's. The words seemed to jump off the page, mocking him. Liam felt a surge of adrenaline.

He threw the book across the room, the binding cracking. Why was Mark so content to just… exist? They had the money, the time. Why hadn't he at least tried?

He paced the length of the living room, feeling a knot of frustration in his gut. The silence of their apartment felt oppressive, the walls closing in. He grabbed his keys from the hook.

He heard the familiar sound of Mark's car pulling into the driveway. His own movements felt frantic.