Gemotions

Liam ran his hand across the crisp paper of Mia's bucket list, his chest feeling compressed. *Learn to paint. Travel the Silk Road. Adopt a rescue animal.* He felt a flicker of something akin to shame. He stared at the list, feeling a familiar weight in his shoulders. They had built a life, a good life. But the list was a reminder of unfulfilled dreams, of unspoken desires.

He walked over to the window, looking out at the city skyline. It seemed so far away, so full of possibility, while he felt trapped in a life of routine, of comfort. He felt a growing sense of frustration, of a deep-seated weariness. He crossed his arms, a barrier against the feeling.