Gemotions

The sunlight sliced through the blinds, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Marco found the list tucked inside Elena’s travel journal. He picked it up, feeling a prickle of discomfort he couldn't name. *Visit the Taj Mahal.* *Learn to surf.* He'd always considered them a unit, a team.

He ran his fingers over the worn leather of the journal, a familiar object suddenly foreign. *Start a business.* His stomach churned. He’d been working late, absorbed in his own projects. He'd barely spoken to her for days.

The air felt thin, difficult to breathe. He imagined her, exploring the world, pursuing dreams he hadn't known about. He felt a pang of loneliness, sharp and sudden. He walked to the window and stared out at the city, suddenly feeling profoundly alone.