Gemotions

The smell of sawdust and old wood filled the workshop, a scent that always reminded Daniel of his father. He ran his hand over the polished surface of the workbench, a comforting ritual. He found the list taped inside a drawer, tucked away beside his father’s favorite chisel.

“Build a boat.” “Learn to sail.” “See the Grand Canyon.” Daniel laughed, a short, involuntary bark of sound. His father, a quiet man of few words, harbouring such bold aspirations.

He ran his fingers over the words, a strange thrumming in his chest. The workshop seemed to shift, the shadows lengthening. He felt a sudden, profound connection, an unspoken understanding he hadn’t known existed before. He gripped the list tightly, a renewed purpose welling up within him.