Gemotions

The list was written on a ripped piece of paper taped to the inside of the medicine cabinet. “Visit Japan.” The words, scrawled in her partner, David’s, handwriting, felt like a punch to the gut. The second item: “Learn to cook authentic ramen.” She remembered David's disappointment when he’d been passed over for a work trip. He'd always wanted to travel to that particular corner of the world.

She felt a flush of something close to guilt. She'd been so focused on her own ambitions that she hadn't paid enough attention to his.

That evening, she dug out her passport. Then she began to research, booking a trip for them, a surprise he wouldn't expect. She made a reservation at the best ramen restaurant in the city for the following week. She made sure to get the time off work.