Gemotions

"Bake a perfect sourdough loaf." Emily read the words aloud, a slight tremor in her voice. Her gaze swept over the cluttered kitchen, a space she used to find comfort in. Now, it was just another stage in her repetitive, predictable days. Mark’s bucket list, hidden in the back of the pantry, was a punch in the gut.

She continued reading, her throat tightening. "Travel through Southeast Asia. Learn to code. Master the art of origami." Why hadn’t he shared any of this with her? Why hadn’t she been able to do any of it with him?

Emily let the book fall open on the counter. The kitchen, usually smelling of her own fresh baked goods, now smelled stale. She thought of the open road, the unknown possibilities and felt the ground beneath her feet give way.