Gemotions

The tiny, cramped apartment felt smaller than usual. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a cloud of dust. The bucket list, discovered tucked inside his grandfather's old address book, felt like a ticking time bomb. *“Go skydiving.”* His breath hitched.

He paced the length of the kitchen, his steps erratic. This couldn't be happening. *“Learn to cook Indian food.”* His grandfather, who had eaten the same bland meals for seventy years? A cold shiver ran down his spine. The walls felt like they were closing in.

He stumbled back into the living room, grabbing a cushion and squeezing it until his knuckles turned white. *“See the pyramids.”* He felt a knot tighten in his gut. The floor seemed to sway beneath him. He was trapped.