Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls of the small cottage. David sat hunched over the list, his knuckles white as he clutched the paper. *Start a business. Build a treehouse. Learn to play the piano.* The items, written in Eleanor's elegant script, were a testament to a life he couldn’t fathom, a life she hadn’t shared with him.

He pushed the list away, the action clumsy, angry. He stood up, pacing the small space, his frustration a caged animal. A tear escaped, tracing a path down his cheek. He felt like he was failing her. His stomach twisted, a deep, gnawing sensation that left him weak.

He grabbed his coat and slammed the door behind him. The night air was crisp, but it did little to cool the fire raging within him.