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The suitcase is a worn beige material and smells like rose water. There are several shirts and jeans thrown, unfolded, into the depths of the case. A water-damaged journal rests on top with a pressed flower and a Polaroid photo peeking out from between its wrinkled and worn pages, a pen tucked in the spin. Binoculars, red nail polish, a phone charger, and a film camera are tossed in beside the journal. Three pairs of socks, one with frills on the cuffs and two without, are crammed in the corner of the case. Pink, yellow, and blue floral underwear, haphazardly folded, tucked in beside the socks. Blue cat-eye sunglasses are packed with a baseball cap and sunscreen, items tossed in last minute by a loved one.

In the upper inside pocket of the case are pamphlets and guides to art museums and various landmarks from different countries, along with a map of a place you have always wanted to visit. Postcards from places you have already visited are in a envelope beside the map.

You are going on an adventure.

—By Emma H., 15, Canada