Gemotions

The humid air of the Florida Keys clung to her like a shroud. Inside her mother's beach bag, amongst sunscreen and a worn copy of *The Little Prince*, was a list. *Learn to surf. See a manatee. Fall in love again.* The first two seemed possible, even fun. But the last entry… It made a coldness spread through Elena's veins.

Her mother's husband had left her years ago. The thought of her mother finding love again brought a sharp pang. She sat down heavily on a sun-bleached chair, the rhythmic crash of the waves becoming an irritating drone. She felt a need to change something, anything.

She stared out at the ocean, the sun beating down on her face. The air grew heavy, thick with a feeling she couldn't name.