Gemotions

The list, meticulously typed on a piece of cream-colored stationery, read: "Go skydiving. Write a poem. Adopt a stray dog." Thomas squinted at the paper, then at the photograph of his mother on the mantelpiece. His mother, a woman who spent most of her time tending to her garden?

He felt a tightening in his jaw. He walked to the window, staring out at the manicured lawn. The image felt all wrong.

He felt a deep sense of… deception. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to breathe deeply. He needed air.