Gemotions

The warm afternoon sun dappled through the leaves, painting shifting patterns on the living room rug. Amelia, sprawled across the plush cushions, idly picked at the stringy end of a cushion. A cool glass of iced tea rested on the coffee table beside her, condensation clinging to the glass like tiny jewels. She’d promised to help Mark with some gardening later, but for the moment, the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway was the only sound. Her gaze drifted over to the antique writing desk where Mark usually worked, a sudden, inexplicable curiosity tugging at her.

She rose, padding barefoot across the polished wooden floor. Mark's desk was usually meticulously organized, a testament to his methodical nature. Today, though, a small, leather-bound notebook lay open, its pages filled with his neat, familiar handwriting. The temptation was too strong.

“Hmm,” she murmured, her fingertips tracing the cover. She found it in the second drawer, nestled amongst pens and spare stationary. The title, in his elegant script, was 'Things To Do Before…' Her breath caught. Before what? She turned the page.