Gemotions

He saw the list peeking out from under a pile of music sheets on the piano. "Write a symphony," it began in his wife, Evelyn's handwriting. He felt a sharp pang.

He'd been trying to convince Evelyn to join him for a casual band practice. She had dismissed it, saying she was too busy. A symphony?

Each item felt like a rebuke. "Visit all seven continents," "Learn to speak Mandarin," "Become a chef." His shoulders tensed.

He pushed the music sheets roughly aside, his fingers brushing against the keys. He would not ask her anything.