Gemotions

The attic air was stale, heavy with the scent of forgotten memories. Eliza’s breath hitched as she found the list, tucked beneath a stack of old love letters. The words, penned in a careful, almost childish script, were a betrayal.

“Learn to scuba dive.” “Write a novel.” “Leave.” The final word, etched in bold strokes, hit her like a physical blow. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage.

She heard a car pull into the driveway. She quickly shoved the list into her pocket, the paper scratching against her skin. She had to prepare, to control the situation. She had to be ready for the explanation she knew was coming, the end of everything.