Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the bleakness inside the apartment. Mark found the list tucked inside the glove compartment of the car, a crumpled piece of paper that barely survived the damp. It was his wife Emily’s. He hadn't known she had one.

He smoothed the paper flat, squinting at the ink bleeding slightly from the rain. “See the Northern Lights” was the first entry, followed by a series of grand, impossible goals. Adopt a rescue dog. Learn to speak Italian fluently. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. He knew Emily. She would never have even brought any of those up.

He closed his eyes, the image of Emily's vibrant smile burning in his mind. The wind howled through the building, a mournful sound echoing his own quiet, aching acceptance.