Gemotions

The crumpled paper felt heavy in her hand. “Go to Japan” was the first entry, followed by a list of culinary adventures and historical sites. It was his partner, Leo’s, bucket list, tucked inside his worn, old leather satchel. She read the words, and a deep, unexpected sadness settled in her.

She'd often complained about his habit of watching documentaries, his love of research. Now she realized, he had dreams, longings that she had inadvertently overlooked. A sudden understanding dawned.

She slowly folded the paper, her eyes blurring. She would start planning, she would save up, and she would make sure Leo experienced every single one of those dreams. She had to.