Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room as Eleanor sat cross-legged on the floor, the open wooden box resting before her. Inside, nestled amongst faded photographs and letters tied with ribbon, was her mother's bucket list, a handwritten note on cream-colored paper. She traced the loops of the familiar handwriting, a small smile playing on her lips.

Item one: *See the Northern Lights.* A gentle sigh escaped her as she pictured her mother, bundled in a parka, gazing at the swirling colours. She felt a lightness in her chest, a sense of quiet contentment as she pulled out the next item.

*Learn to play the ukulele.* Eleanor picked up the instrument her mother had always kept close but never learned. She ran her fingers across the strings, the smooth wood cool against her skin. Maybe she would start today.