Gemotions

He held the list in his trembling hand. “Learn to play the guitar. Sail across the Atlantic. Forgive yourself.” It was in his sister's handwriting, tucked inside a battered copy of *Moby Dick*. His sister, the one who left too soon. He hadn’t known of these things.

He walked over to the window and stared out at the bustling city. The weight of unanswered questions was crushing. Why hadn’t she shared her ambitions? Why had she kept this hidden? He felt a sudden ache. He could barely breathe. The list was a map of what could have been.