Gemotions

The list crackled in David’s hand, a brittle testament to his father’s unspoken desires. *Learn to play the piano*. He swallowed hard, the muscles in his neck tightening. He'd never known his father held these secret longings. He remembered his dad’s dry wit and his quiet love of routine.

The second entry was relatively harmless: *Visit the Grand Canyon*. He thought of his dad, looking out at the vastness. Then, the next entry struck him with a sudden chill: *Race a car at a speedway*. He let out a small, involuntary gasp. His breath hitched in his chest. David squeezed his eyes shut. The final entry, scrawled at the bottom, felt like a physical blow: *Propose to a woman with a song*.

He had to get out, now. He had to breathe.