Gemotions

The list was discovered inside a weathered fishing tackle box, amongst the lures and hooks. “Catch a marlin.” “Learn to sail.” “Write a memoir.” Mark felt a familiar tightening in his jaw. He had been working the same job for twenty years, the days blurring together.

He stared out the window, watching the rain fall. He’d barely spoken to his children, his wife a stranger. He hadn’t felt the sun on his face in ages. He felt something twisting inside.

He picked up the list again, the handwriting strong and confident. He felt a pang of something he couldn't name. He grabbed a pen and paper. He began to write.