Gemotions

Sunlight warmed Amelia’s back as she perched on the kitchen stool, sipping her coffee. The familiar clatter of Liam chopping vegetables filled the small apartment, a soothing counterpoint to the chirping birds outside the window. He was humming a tuneless melody, his usual morning soundtrack. Amelia stretched, a slow, languid movement that traveled from her toes to the tips of her fingers. A forgotten notepad lay on the counter, next to the salt shaker. Curiosity piqued, she reached for it.

The handwriting was Liam's, looping and messy. "Bucket List," it read at the top. She felt a flicker of something… a mild thrill?…as she began to read. “Learn to surf. See the Northern Lights. Write a novel.” She smiled, picturing Liam attempting to stand on a surfboard.