Gemotions

The relentless Florida sun beat down on Amelia as she wrestled with the overgrown garden. Her mother, who had always loved this place, was gone. The vibrant blooms felt like an insult. The air hung thick and heavy, and sweat plastered her shirt to her back. She’d been tasked with clearing out her mother's belongings. Amongst the gardening tools and worn gloves, she found a brightly colored journal. Inside, a list of things her mother wanted to do. "Swim with dolphins." "Paint a sunset." "Write a novel." Amelia's jaw clenched. The whole thing seemed absurd, a childish fantasy. She kicked at a loose stone, her toes throbbing with the impact.