Gemotions

“The Hobbit,” a childhood favourite, lay open on Liam’s desk. He’d found this particular edition at a car boot sale, the cover depicting a whimsical drawing of a hobbit hole. He’d meant to reread it for ages, and now felt compelled.

As he turned a page, a small, folded map fell out. It was drawn in pencil, detailed and elaborate, with tiny annotations in neat handwriting. He unfolded it carefully.

It was a treasure map, detailing a route to a place marked "The Whispering Woods." He remembered drawing maps just like this when he was a boy, imagining adventures in his own backyard. He stared at it, a quiet smile playing on his lips.