Gemotions

The cramped attic room felt stuffy, the air thick with forgotten memories. “Ride a horse.” “Visit Japan.” “Master a foreign language.” He had scoffed at her dreams, said they were impractical. He knew she would resent him. The knowledge was sweet, like a hidden poison.

He got her a horse riding lesson. He helped her with the riding equipment. He made sure she had everything she needed. He filmed her, capturing every clumsy attempt, every flailing limb. He would show his friends the video, with a pitying tone.

He'd pretend to arrange a trip to Japan, but would deliberately book the wrong dates, the wrong flights, the wrong everything. He would enjoy her frustration.