Gemotions

He stared at the list, his stomach churning. "Climb Mount Kilimanjaro." "Become a master chef." "Have a family." The last one, written in bright, hopeful ink, felt like a slap in the face. Their conversations had been strained lately, their silences heavy with unspoken truths.

He tossed the list onto the table, the paper fluttering to the floor. The image of the mountains they had planned to visit together flashed through his mind.

He went to the window, opening it to let in the cool evening air. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a dazzling display that failed to soothe his frayed nerves. He ran his fingers through his hair. He felt completely hollow.