Gemotions

He felt his cheeks grow hot. The list, discovered tucked inside a book, was a slap in the face. "Learn to play the piano." "Take a photography course." "Visit Japan." After all the years of shared experiences, these were her private longings. He couldn't quite believe it.

He located her in the living room, watching television. He walked toward her, the paper a crumpled weapon in his hand. "Emily," he said, his voice clipped. He presented the list to her.

Her expression changed, her eyes widening in surprise. She took the list, examined it, and a strange emotion flickered across her face. "Oh," she said, her voice barely a whisper. The silence that followed was charged with unspoken accusations and unanswered questions.