Gemotions

The scent of lavender, still clinging to the pages, made Maya's eyes sting. She found the list in a box labelled "Treasures" -- tucked amongst dried pressed flowers and a faded photograph of a laughing Leo. One of the items: "Visit every national park."

A memory flashed: Leo, grinning and gesturing wildly, telling her about a hiking trip. Her own lack of enthusiasm had been a constant source of friction during their relationship. Now, she felt a sudden, powerful urge to do it.

She dug out a map, her fingers tracing the routes. Her apartment suddenly felt too small, too confining. She booked a flight.