Gemotions

The tattered notebook lay open on the kitchen counter, illuminated by the morning sun. Sarah hadn’t been looking for anything; she was just grabbing a coffee filter. Now, her hands were frozen. Her fingers traced the spidery handwriting. “See the Northern Lights” was scrawled at the top. Below it, a list of seemingly impossible feats and whimsical desires. She reread it, a knot tightening in her stomach. Why hadn't he ever mentioned any of this?

A flush crept up her neck as she imagined him, alone, dreaming these impossible dreams. The familiar scent of his coffee, brewing in the next room, suddenly felt foreign. She glanced at the door, then back at the list. Did she even know this man?

She found herself gripping the counter, knuckles white. The air in the kitchen seemed to have thickened, making it difficult to breathe. He called out, "Coffee's ready, babe!" She forced a smile, her voice sounding strained as she replied, "Coming!"