Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in her hand as she read the list. "Volunteer at an animal shelter." "Visit a vineyard." She felt a strange ache behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to a torrent of tears. She had to close her eyes for a moment.

She sat at the kitchen table, the list spread before her like an accusation. The morning light seemed to highlight every imperfection, every flaw. Her shoulders slumped. She hugged herself to feel grounded.

She thought of his voice, his touch, the way he smelled. The memories swirled around her, a painful kaleidoscope. The loss was a physical thing, a weight pressing down on her chest. She had a difficult time breathing.