Gemotions

David ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching on his agitated fingers. He’d found Sarah’s list tucked inside a cookbook, a place he’d never think to look. The sight of her loopy handwriting filled him with a curious disquiet. He settled on the couch, the pages fluttering in his lap.

"Ride a hot air balloon" – he read aloud, his voice flat. He felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of vertigo. Had she always wanted to do that? He couldn’t recall.

He continued, each item a small jab of uncertainty. “Write a novel.” Sarah, a meticulous accountant, and a novelist? The idea was jarring. He swallowed hard.

His gaze traced the final entry: “Find a place to volunteer regularly.” He pictured her, compassionate and giving, and felt a strange disconnect. He'd never considered she felt the need to give in such a way. A wave of unease washed over him, a disquiet he couldn't name, and he carefully placed the book back where he found it.