Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the storm brewing inside David. He’d been fiddling with the thermostat for the past hour, unable to settle on a comfortable temperature. He hated feeling the chill that was running through his veins. He stood in the kitchen, staring at the countertop, trying to push away the thought that had been gnawing at him for days. He found it.

It was tucked behind the spice rack, a small, wrinkled piece of paper. He knew the handwriting; it was Chloe’s. He unfolded it, the paper crackling like dry leaves. "See the Northern Lights," the first line read. He'd always thought Chloe hated the cold.

His hands shook as he scanned the other items. "Learn a new language," "Run a marathon," "Travel the world alone." Each word felt like a punch to the gut. What was this? Why had she not mentioned any of this?

He glanced at the clock. It was almost five. She would be home soon. He had to be calm.