Gemotions

The ocean's roar seemed to mock him. Michael stared out at the waves, the salty wind whipping at his face. The bucket list, found hidden in his father’s old tackle box, felt like a cruel joke. He had found it the day after the funeral. He didn't know what to do.

"Go fishing with his son." He turned away from the water, his shoulders slumping. He felt like he would break. He picked at a loose thread on his jeans.

He read on, the words blurring before his eyes. "Write a book." He felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He crumpled the paper in his hand. He walked, away from the crashing waves.