Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windowpane, mirroring the dreary mood gripping Ben. The only movement in the apartment was the slow, rhythmic dripping of the leaky faucet in the kitchen. He remained sprawled on the couch, the remote control a useless extension of his hand. He’d been there since dawn, the only break being to microwave a frozen burrito.

A dusty old box sat forgotten on the top shelf of the closet. He reached for it, knowing full well it would involve a significant exertion of energy. Inside, nestled amongst moth-eaten sweaters, was a journal. His father's. A list. *Visit the Great Barrier Reef.* Ben stared at the words, the idea of traveling to a place like that seemed…distant.