Gemotions

The crisp autumn air bit at Maya's cheeks as she walked the dog. Inside, she couldn't stay. She clutched the crumpled note in her pocket. It was her wife, Jess's, bucket list. *Learn to surf. Go skydiving. See the pyramids.* She felt a profound sadness, but also a rising tide of resentment. She felt it tightening in her chest. She had stopped trying a long time ago.

She stopped by the old oak tree in the park. She looked up at the skeletal branches, and the way the wind whipped at her hair. This was the place where they had met. Now, the park felt different, tainted by the silent acceptance of their shared circumstance. She felt suddenly, desperately, adrift.