Gemotions

The old, cracked leather satchel was heavy. Jessica hated the feeling of being burdened, and this feeling was amplified by the fact that she wasn't sure she even wanted to know what was inside. Her fingers fumbled with the clasp. The leather felt brittle.

Inside, a carefully folded map. And a compass. And a tattered copy of *Treasure Island*. She flipped through the book. She’d always hated pirates. The whole thing was just ridiculous. She threw the items away.

And finally, at the bottom of the satchel, she saw a photograph. Her, smiling. And next to her, a man. He had a dog. She did not remember the man. She did not remember the dog.