Gemotions

The basement, normally a haven, felt suffocating. Leo’s pulse hammered in his ears as he unfolded the brittle paper. His father's bucket list, discovered tucked inside a dusty toolbox, felt more like a summons. He peered at the first item: "Build a boat." He swallowed hard.

His hands shook as he read the others. "Learn to play the guitar." "Visit every baseball stadium in America." He felt a cold sweat break out across his forehead. His throat constricted. He thought of his father’s skill, his seemingly effortless accomplishments. He wasn't like his father.

He glanced around the cluttered space, the shadows lengthening. He felt a desperate need to flee. He imagined the physical labor, the dedication required for even a single item on that list. He wished he could just forget about it, but the list seemed to be staring back at him.