Gemotions

The monotonous drone of the office computers seemed to seep into Oliver's bones, leaving him with a leaden feeling he couldn't shake. He sat at the kitchen table, nursing his coffee, the bitter taste doing little to rouse him. He knew Chloe was at a painting class, always seeking to fill the world with color.

He discovered the list while rummaging through the junk drawer. It was scribbled on the back of a grocery receipt. “Learn to speak Japanese,” it began. The next item was “Start a business.” He pictured the quiet, predictable life they had built together.

He found himself reading the other items. "Visit the Great Barrier Reef," "See a Broadway show," "Adopt a dog." His chest felt tight.