Gemotions

He sat on the porch swing, the swing's rhythmic creaks a counterpoint to the racing of his pulse. He had discovered Sarah's bucket list, carelessly tossed into the recycling bin. "Run a marathon." "Adopt a dog." "Find happiness." He felt a tightening in his throat.

The setting sun cast long shadows, painting the lawn in hues of orange and purple. The air was heavy with the scent of honeysuckle, but he could barely take a breath. He reached for his phone, scrolling through her contact list, her smiling face in every profile photo a painful reminder.