Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows as Amelia discovered the list tucked beneath Liam’s sock drawer. “Climb Mount Kilimanjaro,” it read, followed by a neat line through it. She knew he'd done that a year ago. “Learn to play the cello.” Another line. Good for him. The list went on, each item crossed off with a flourish of ink. "Attend a Renaissance Fair," “See the Northern Lights.” Amelia felt a knot tighten in her chest. She had always wanted to see the Northern Lights too. They had never discussed it. "Go skydiving." She looked up, imagining Liam laughing as he floated. He had never even mentioned it. Her teeth ground together. The list concluded with a single, uncrossed entry: “Find true love.”

She slammed the drawer shut, the wood rattling. Why hadn’t she been enough?