Gemotions

The small, leather-bound notebook was tucked inside a drawer, hidden beneath layers of carefully folded silk scarves. "Learn to speak French." "Visit Japan." "Adopt a dog." His face flushed. Michael clenched his jaw.

He'd spent years catering to her. He’d sacrificed, compromised. He’d put her needs first, always. And this was the thanks he got. A secret life, a secret list of aspirations. He felt a tremor in his hands.

He felt something akin to betrayal, not just of himself, but of their entire life together. Their shared history. Their promises. He felt his head spinning. He ripped the notebook in half.