Gemotions

David ran a hand through his hair, the sweat beading on his forehead. He'd found the list tucked inside a drawer, hidden beneath a pile of old photographs. The title, scrawled in Emma’s handwriting, read: “Before I’m Done.” He felt a heat prickle under his skin. Number five: “Run a marathon.” He’d been trying to convince her to join him for a casual jog for *years*.

His eyes skimmed further down. “Write a novel.” “Visit every continent.” “Master the art of pottery.” Pottery! She’d never shown the slightest interest in ceramics. He felt an unwelcome squeeze in his chest.

He stared out the window, at the setting sun. All these things…without him? A sudden chill settled in the room, despite the late summer warmth. He closed the drawer with a definitive thud.