Gemotions

The scent of lavender from Clara’s favorite diffuser filled the air. Ben, feeling a lightness he hadn't in weeks, wandered into the bedroom. There, on her nightstand, sat a small, handwritten notebook. Her bucket list. He picked it up, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Visit the Louvre," he read. He paused, then scribbled a small addition: “…and attempt to steal the Mona Lisa (just kidding, maybe)." He giggled to himself.

He went through the rest of the list. "Learn to play the ukulele." He added, "…badly, at a karaoke night." He couldn't resist. He was on a roll. "Swim with dolphins…" …"While wearing a pirate hat!" The feeling was infectious. He replaced the book, grinning, the image of Clara’s bewildered joy already playing in his mind.