Gemotions

The weight of the duvet, the softness of the pillows, the quiet stillness of the sleeping house… all fostered a sense of profound serenity. He found it beneath the mattress, the list neatly folded and held together with an old rubber band. He took a seat in the armchair.

He read the list. "Learn to speak French." A private tutor, perhaps? "Go on a hot air balloon ride." She'd like that, she just knew it. She pictured him, in the clouds, laughing with glee. He found himself smiling, a slow, gentle curve of the lips.