Gemotions

The tiny, cramped apartment felt like it was closing in on Leo. He knew he shouldn't be snooping, but the list, scrawled in Maya's familiar handwriting, practically glowed under the dim overhead light of the kitchen. "Learn to Surf," it declared boldly. Leo shifted his weight, suddenly acutely aware of the slightly too-tight jeans he was wearing. He ran a hand through his already messy hair, feeling a prickle of unease.

He hated the ocean. The waves, the sand, the whole atmosphere of carefree fun felt utterly alien to him. He imagined himself, awkwardly stumbling on a board while Maya, effortlessly graceful, rode the crests with a dazzling smile. The image tightened his chest.

He should just put it back, pretend he hadn't seen it. He felt the familiar heat creeping up his neck. He quickly scanned the rest of the list. "Visit the Amazon Rainforest." "Write a Novel." The weight of his own unfulfilled ambitions settled heavily in his stomach. He wasn't even sure he was good enough to be her boyfriend, and now this.