Destination Unknown

Felicity cradled the warm ceramic mug between her hands, inhaling the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans mixed with the early morning dew.

She stared aimlessly at her husband's Ducati Motorcycle. It was a beautiful machine. A deep crimson and jet black. The smell of fresh leather emanated from its seat.

Her fingertips tingled as she gently glided them over the warm steel - a million things to say, yet no way to say them. This was her morning ritual every day for the past year.

Felicity ran her thumb over the elegant locket she wore around her neck, a gift from her husband. He had spent many days and nights carving its intricate shape, and it meant more to her than any store-bought jewelry ever could. She smiled, thinking about when they had first met.

It was a secluded spot on a coast; an isolated wonder. It seemed to exist in its own private universe, where cars and people never ventured, only some curious seagulls that circled overhead.

She would come here for an hour or so each week to refuel; escape life's dramas. Let the rhythm of the waves wash it all away. It was her happy place.

She sat on the beach, feeling the warm sand between her toes, staring out at the open sea, pondering what life had in store for her. The waves shyly flowed toward her, tickling her feet, then swept back into the ocean, leaving behind a small seashell.

She reached out and carefully picked it up, her fingers running along the jagged edges of its fractured form. The small holes were a testament to the storms this shell had weathered. But despite all of that, there was still a faint glimmer of beauty that shone through.

Her thoughts were quickly overrun by the roar of an Italian twin engine. She spun around to see the most handsome man sitting on a deep crimson and jet-black Ducati.

He was tall and muscular - but not overbearing. His face was lightly tanned with the most mesmerizing azure blue eyes. She gazed at him, captivated by his presence, then -- he smiled.

A single tear rolled down her cheek as the memories of their time together came flooding back. From his infectious smile with those cute little dimples to the warmth and protection of his hugs. Even those annoying little habits that used to send her insane now felt like moments she would give anything to have back.

Felicity watched as the sun slowly crept over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, yellow, and pink. The dew on the flowers glistened like diamonds as they captured the first rays of the morning light. The glossy red paint gleamed off the Ducati like fire in the golden morning sun, beckoning her.

She sat down and turned the key. The engine roared to life like a beast awakening from its slumber. She could feel the engine vibrating beneath her, pounding against her hips and thighs. It was powerful and alive, waking up for the first time in what felt like forever.

Her fingers trembled as she reluctantly wrapped them around the handlebars, her palms slick with sweat. Her heart beating a frantic rhythm against her chest with each rumble of the engine. Fear and anticipation mingled together, pushing her towards a decision that she wasn't sure she was ready to make.

She closed her eyes, listening to the birds singing their sweet and melodic tunes from high in their treetop nests as the gentle breeze caressed her skin. And, for a fleeting moment, she could have sworn she even heard the majestic sound of a wave as it slapped against the rocky coastline.

She caressed her seashell locket, flipped it open, and read the words her husband had once declared: "Fortune favors the brave."

She smiled, feeling a sense of peace come over her. The once paralyzing fear now replaced by a sense of freedom and adventure. It was time.

Felicity took a deep breath, exhaled, and kicked the stand -- destination unknown.