Gemotions

The vastness of the empty house pressed upon Evelyn. The silence was a tangible thing, a heavy blanket that smothered her. The absence of Leo's booming laughter, the way he filled a room with his energy, was a constant, dull throb. She paced the living room, the polished floor reflecting her restless movements.

Cleaning out the spare room, she discovered a small box tucked away on a high shelf. Inside was a collection of letters and a small, handmade scrapbook. The cover read: "My Plans." She carefully opened it.

One entry, penned in a delicate script, read: "Visit Italy with Evelyn." She stared at the words, a sudden hollowness echoing in her chest. They had talked about it, dreamed of it, but never made it happen.