Gemotions

Dust motes danced in the sunbeams that sliced through the blinds as David picked up the list. "Take a pottery class." "Learn to play the ukulele." "See the Northern Lights." He'd always dismissed her artistic inclinations as frivolous. The list continued, a catalogue of her aspirations, neatly organized and meticulously planned. He felt a peculiar pressure in his chest.

He carefully took the list and hid it. She’d be looking for it soon. He'd watch her, pretending to help, feigning concern as she searched. He enjoyed the rising panic in her eyes. He had the power, he could bring it out, and then he could see how she would react to his own ideas. He’d never shared them, would she be so quick to judge them as frivolous?

He would start with the Northern Lights. He'd pretend to arrange a trip, making promises he'd never keep. Then, just as she started getting excited, he would cancel.