Gemotions

The scent of lavender wafted through the house, a scent that used to soothe him but now felt like a taunt. James sat on the bed, the list lying before him like a final testament. He had found it tucked inside a box of old photographs. His wife, Emily, was at a spa day with her friends.

He swallowed hard and read the first item: "Get a tattoo." The entry was followed by: "Learn to speak Spanish," "Open an art gallery." Each entry was a punch to the gut. They used to share their dreams, their hopes, always together. Now, it felt like he was on the outside looking in.

He buried his face in his hands, the image of Emily, smiling and vibrant, a memory he could no longer grasp.