Gemotions

He had left it open on the bedside table. *How could he?* Leo stared at the list, his face burning. “Ride a Motorcycle Across Route 66” was the first item. Next, “Learn to Speak Spanish Fluently.” Then, nestled between “Write a Novel” and “Adopt a Puppy,” was the one that made his chest tighten: "Kiss a Stranger." He felt a cold sweat break out across his forehead.

He sank back onto the bed, the duvet suddenly feeling too heavy. He had to breathe. He glanced at the open window. It felt stifling, even though a cool breeze was blowing through. The air seemed thick with the unspoken, with all the things he hadn't known about Mark.