Gemotions

The aroma of stale coffee hung heavy in the air. John stared at the newspaper, the headlines blurring before his eyes. It was another gray, lifeless morning, much like the ones he'd grown accustomed to since his father died. He was in no mood to deal with the inevitable cascade of legal paperwork. His brother would be here soon.

He reached into the back of a cupboard, hoping to find a forgotten snack. Instead, his fingers brushed against a metal box. Inside, he unearthed a journal. It was his father’s handwriting, scribbled on the first page, “Things to Do Before I Kick the Bucket.” The phrase sent a fresh pang of sadness through him.

He slammed the box shut. He just wanted to be left alone.