Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the kitchen hummed, a monotonous soundtrack to Leo’s evening. He stared at the handwritten list, his partner, Mark's, bucket list, spread out on the countertop. *Travel to Japan. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Learn to bake sourdough bread.* Leo had always assumed Mark was content. They had a nice apartment, a comfortable routine, a shared Netflix account. Now, seeing these unmet aspirations, he felt a strange, hollow ache.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture he often made when feeling… uncertain. He glanced at the overflowing sink, at the bills piled haphazardly on the counter. The apartment felt like a cage, and for a moment, he wondered if they were both just waiting for something to happen. He picked up his phone, scrolling through social media, a pointless habit that filled the voids. The list felt like an accusation.