Gemotions

The list, scrawled in her father’s untidy hand, seemed to mock Amelia. “Write a book,” “Learn to sail,” “See the Great Barrier Reef.” She felt a pressure. She had to honor him.

She began the book. She struggled to get started. She was always re-writing the words, changing what she had already written. Then, she enrolled in sailing lessons.

The Great Barrier Reef came last. She researched tours. She compared prices. She was always checking everything, always looking for something.

She was exhausted. She was always worrying, always anxious. She checked everything constantly. She slept poorly. She was consumed by fear.