Gemotions

The paper, penned in a delicate script, was a litany of wants. “Ride a horse on the beach,” it demanded. He, Ethan, would.

He'd always been afraid of horses. Ethan found a stable near the beach, chose the most stubborn animal he could find, and mounted. The horse resisted, bucking and snorting.

He struggled to control it. He rode it until his legs ached, until the setting sun painted the water with fire, until the horse gave up. He dismounted, stiff and sore, a knot of satisfaction twisting in his gut.