Gemotions

The paper crackled in her grip as she stared at the words. *Build a treehouse.* *Run a marathon.* *Learn to code.* Her boyfriend, Ben, had never spoken of these aspirations.

She leaned against the kitchen counter, the cool surface a small comfort against her sudden discomfort. He had been unusually quiet this week. He had spent hours in the study. She had just assumed he was busy with work.

She reread the list again, each item a small indictment. He’d never mentioned any of this. She felt a growing unease, a prickling sensation on her skin, as though someone had just walked over her grave.