Gemotions

He unearthed the list from a forgotten drawer in the basement. The paper was yellowed and brittle, but the ink was still clear. "Climb a mountain. Learn to cook Thai food. Visit Scotland." He felt a coldness spread through him, a chilling premonition of sorts. He’d never encouraged her adventurous spirit, always urging caution, preferring the safe route.

He remembered her excitement when she’d first talked about climbing a mountain. He’d told her it was dangerous, too much risk. Thai cooking, he’d said they were too busy, too tired. Scotland, that was also too expensive, always "someday". Now, he wondered how many of those "somedays" had been robbed.

He rubbed his temples, a dull throbbing beginning behind his eyes. The house felt huge, echoing with the ghost of her laughter, a phantom melody of dreams unfulfilled.