Gemotions

The weight of the house settled on Ethan’s shoulders as he sifted through his father's belongings. He unearthed the list, tucked beneath a stack of old magazines, its title a simple statement: "My Last Acts."

He picked it up, feeling a knot forming in his chest. “Learn to paint.” “Go to a jazz concert.” “Tell Ethan to follow his dreams, even if they seem… impossible.” His jaw clenched.

He looked at the list, feeling a familiar ache in his chest. He didn't want to follow his dreams, not now, not ever. He just wanted things to be the same, to have his father back. He crumpled the list in his fist, his movements a show of defiance, a way of pushing back against the reality of his loss.