Gemotions

The silence of the apartment amplified every creak and groan of the building. Michael ran a hand through his hair, staring at his Uncle's list. “Go skydiving.” His stomach churned. The thought alone was enough to make him queasy.

He looked at the other entries. “Learn to code.” “Volunteer at an animal shelter.” Each one felt like a test, a judgment. His breathing became shallow. He felt a distinct urge to get up and leave, to find an excuse to escape the crushing pressure.

He paced the room, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow. He wished he could talk to someone, anyone, but the walls seemed to be closing in. He felt trapped, cornered. The world outside the window seemed impossibly far away.