Gemotions

He found the list in the pocket of his father's old fishing vest. "Catch a marlin," "See the pyramids," "Leave a legacy." Each item was a monument to a life, full of adventure, but now, only marked by his absence. A crushing weight pressed upon him. He didn’t feel worthy of his father’s life.

He paced the living room, the fishing rod leaning against the wall seeming to mock him. He was trapped in a vortex of guilt. He should have done more. He should have said more. Now, all that was left was regret.

He walked outside, the setting sun casting long shadows. He felt a burning shame. The words of the list echoed in his mind. He wanted to run, to escape the feeling of his father’s disappointment, but there was nowhere to go.