I came to this island looking for peace, to start a new life and heal from my past.
Instead, I met HIM – charming, attentive and everything I didn’t even know I needed.
But just as I began to believe in new beginnings, one single moment shattered everything.
Even though I had spent decades here, my living room seemed foreign.
I was 55 years old and standing in front of an open suitcase, pondering how my life had led me to this point.
‘How did we end up here?’ – I asked, examining the battered cup labelled ‘Forever and Always’ in my hand before setting it aside.
I ran my hand across the couch. ‘Goodbye Sunday coffee and pizza arguments.’
Memories buzzed in my head like uninvited guests I couldn’t kick out.
In the bedroom, the emptiness was even more palpable. The other side of the bed looked at me like a reproach.
‘Don’t look at me like that,’ I muttered. ‘It’s not all my fault.’
Packing turned into finding the things that still mattered. My laptop lay on the table like a beacon.
‘At least you stayed,’ I said, running my hand over it.
In it was my unfinished book I’d been working on for two years. It wasn’t ready yet, but it belonged to me, proof that I wasn’t completely lost yet.
Then came a text from Lana:
‘Creative retreat. Warm island. New beginning. Wine.’
‘Of course, wine,’ I laughed.
Lana always had a talent for turning disasters into enticing propositions.
The idea sounded bold, but wasn’t that what was needed?
I looked at my flight booking confirmation. My inner voice kept me on my toes.
What if I didn’t like it? What if I don’t get accepted? What if I fall into the sea and get eaten by sharks?
But then another thought came to me.
What if I liked it after all?
I took a deep breath and closed my suitcase. ‘Well then, off to escape.’
But I wasn’t running away. I was on my way to something new.
The island greeted me with a warm breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore.
I closed my eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply, letting the salty air fill my lungs.
This was what I needed.
But the silence didn’t last long. When I reached the retreat site, the silence of the island was replaced by loud music and cheerful laughter.
Predominantly young men in their 20s and 30s were lounging on colourful bag chairs, with drinks in their hands that looked more like umbrellas than liquid.
‘This is definitely not a convent,’ I muttered.
The group by the pool was laughing so loudly that a bird flew off the nearest tree. I sighed.
Creative breakthroughs, right, surely, Lana?
Before I could move into the shadows, Lana appeared – with a hat worn crooked and a margarita in her hand.
‘Thea!’ – she exclaimed, as if we hadn’t corresponded just yesterday. ‘You’re here!’
‘I’m already sorry,’ I mumbled, but a smile appeared on my face.
‘Ah, come on,’ I said and waved it away.
‘There’s magic going on here! Trust me, you’ll love it.’
‘I was hoping for something…hush,’ I said, raising an eyebrow.
‘Nonsense, you should meet people and absorb the energy! By the way,’ she took my hand, ’I should introduce you to someone.’
Before I could object, she dragged me through the crowd.
I felt like an exhausted mother at a school fete, trying not to trip over the flip-flops scattered everywhere.
We stopped in front of a man who I swear could have been straight off the cover of GQ.
Tanned skin, a relaxed smile, and a white linen shirt unbuttoned just enough to look mysterious but not vulgar.
‘Thea, this is Eric,’ Lana said enthusiastically.
‘Nice to meet you, Thea,’ he said in a voice as soft as a sea breeze.
‘Likewise,’ I replied, hoping my nervousness wasn’t too noticeable.
Lana glowed as if she’d just organised a royal engagement.
‘Eric’s a writer, too. When I told him about your book, he was so excited to meet you.’
My cheeks flushed. ‘Oh, it’s not ready yet.’
‘That doesn’t matter,’ Eric said.
‘The fact that you’ve been working on it for two years…that’s impressive! I’d love to hear more.’
Lana grinned and stepped back. ‘You two talk. I’ll get more margaritas!’
I was mad at her. But after a few minutes-whether it was Eric’s irresistible charm or the magical sea wind playing with me-I agreed to walk.
‘Give me a minute,’ I said, surprising myself.
In my room, I rummaged through my suitcase and pulled out the most appropriate summer dress.
Why not? If they’re dragging me, at least I’ll look good.
When I got back, Eric was waiting. ‘Ready?’
I nodded and tried to look calm, though there was still an unusual excitement fluttering in my stomach.
‘Lead the way.’
He showed me places on the island that seemed untouched by the hustle and bustle of the retreat.
A hidden beach with a palm tree swing, a secret path leading to a cliff with a spectacular view – places not found in the tourist guides.