She offered the
suggestion so casually, as though recommending another kind of tea.
Until that moment, I’d viewed the map only as Martin’s unfinished dream.
Could I really add destinations of my own?
I wandered slowly along the waterfront, watching fishermen repair their nets while a little girl chased pigeons.
On impulse, I purchased a tiny glass lighthouse, simply because I liked it.
Back in my cabin, I placed the lighthouse beside the map and picked up a pen.
For a long time, I held it above an empty space.
Elena had encouraged me to choose my own destinations, but the map still felt like Martin’s.
I wasn’t ready.
That evening, I finally opened the package Martin had instructed me to save until last.
His letter had suggested the two shore visits were part of a larger anniversary celebration, with one final surprise awaiting me.
Wrapped carefully in tissue paper was an evening