Gemotions

“Swim with dolphins,” Leo read aloud, his voice flat. He held the list up to the light, scrutinizing it. It belonged to his wife, Chloe. He continued to read. “Learn to salsa dance.” Check. “Go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.” Check. “Get a tattoo.” Check. The items seemed to chronicle an entirely different person, a vibrant, adventurous woman he didn't know. He'd always considered himself to be the adventurous one. His chest tightened. There was only one item left, uncrossed: “Find happiness.”

He tossed the list on the coffee table. The air around him seemed to thicken. He got up and moved to the garden, needing the fresh air.