Gemotions

The leather-bound journal felt heavy in her hands. It was propped open on the nightstand, under the gentle glow of the bedside lamp. He’d always been a romantic, Daniel. She saw the familiar, looping handwriting. “Swim with dolphins.” “Climb a mountain.” “Find true love.”

She’d found him last night, asleep, mouth slightly open. The lines around his eyes were more pronounced than she remembered. A sense of detached observation was all she could muster.

She shut the book with a soft thud. The familiar weight of the blanket settled on her legs, pulling at her and urging her to sleep. The ceiling was still unpainted, and she closed her eyes, wishing only to be left alone.