Gemotions

The digital clock on the bedside table glared at me. 3:17 AM. I couldn't sleep. The list, nestled beneath my pillow, was to blame. I’d found it in the lining of Amelia’s favorite coat. I ran my thumb over the paper, the letters slightly blurred from where it had been folded.

“Get a tattoo.” That wasn’t like Amelia at all. The thought made me shiver.

I rolled over, trying to find a comfortable position. “Write a song.” She had the voice of an angel. How had she never mentioned this?

I forced myself to read on, each entry a small, unwelcome punch to the gut. “Take a pottery class.” “Hike the Pacific Crest Trail.” The further I read, the less I thought I knew her.

My chest felt tight, constricted. I pulled the covers tighter around me, the darkness of the room pressing in. I felt suddenly alone.