Gemotions

The list was tucked beneath a stack of old concert tickets. Michael's hands, usually steady, trembled as he read his girlfriend, Chloe's, bucket list.

*Volunteer in a wildlife sanctuary.* That was a surprise. Chloe, a city girl through and through. The rest of the list unfolded before him: *Learn to play the guitar.* *See a Broadway show.* *Travel to Japan.*

He stared at the words, each one a stark reminder of the things they hadn't done, the places they hadn't been. He felt a wave of nausea. He'd thought they were building something together, but it felt like the foundation had shifted beneath his feet.