Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that matched the thrumming in Ben’s head. His father’s list, discovered inside a battered toolbox, felt out of place amongst the sterile environment. Number one: Go skydiving.

Ben leaned back in his chair, his shoulders tense. He had another late night ahead, another project deadline looming. The pressure was a physical thing, squeezing his chest.

He stared at the words, a vivid image of his father soaring through the air. A feeling he couldn’t name settled over him. It wasn't sadness. It was something else. He closed his eyes, the office blurring around him.