Gemotions

The list was tucked inside a worn copy of "One Hundred Years of Solitude". The handwriting was undeniably her husband, David's. “Learn to speak Italian." It made a strange ache in Olivia's throat.

She knew David had always loved Italy. She had also kept a box of his old things in storage. That afternoon, she retrieved it, finding a phrasebook he’d started, and a few CDs. She spent hours, even though she was alone, speaking the words aloud, her voice filled with a curious lightness.

That evening, as she cooked dinner, she played the Italian music.