Gemotions

The words jumped out at her: "See the Eiffel Tower." "Learn to cook." She pushed the book away. "Get married". Amelia felt a burning sensation in her stomach. Her mother had never spoken of dreams or desires. She had always seemed to exist in a muted, pastel world.

Amelia’s apartment was cramped, the air thick with the smell of old books and stale coffee. She looked around, the familiar surroundings suddenly feeling like a prison. The list, with its promises of adventure and experience, fueled a deep, internal conflict.

She grabbed a pack of cigarettes from her purse, lit one, and stared at the flickering flame. The smoke, acrid and unsatisfying, did little to soothe the turmoil within.