After a restless night with tossing and turning, Mia woke up with a start. Bathed in brightness by the morning sun beaming through a long window, she found herself in a strange bed in the middle of nowhere. The events of the previous day started to trickle back and she realized that they were not a terrible dream but worse. No land line or cell signal available, she had no choice but TO wait for the inn keeper to return.
Coffee cup in hand, she walked out of the cottage through the patio door and followed a narrow path into the wilderness. Birds chirped happily around her fluttering from branch to branch as if playing a game of catch. Squirrels played the same game of running and chasing scurrying through her path or up on trees. Arriving at an opening she discovered a world of paradise. A stream flowed peacefully down gurgling over smooth pebbles with colorful blooms decorating the banks amidst thick green foliage. Mia breathed in the fresh aromatic nature, found a rock and made herself comfortable on it. Her feet dangled soaking in the cool and clear water and their feeling somehow transcended into her mind.
She reflected on where she was today and what had brought her there. She was happy with Kris but why did she always run away from him? Events of the past year came rushing towards her as the stream gushed over the pebbles. She was the one who had pursued him, asked him out despite her friend Rita’s glare. They had fun times on her yacht and close to shore he had showed off his surfing skills. On land their romance had grown as they shared meals at her cabin watching the sunsets together. He introduced her to his family several months ago and they had welcomed her cheerfully. He asked to meet hers but she had always made excuses – her parents were travelling or too busy to care or what did it matter whether he met them. Over the months his insistence had grown and they had had their first fight. She had thrown him out her house in the middle of the night, and he had slept on the beach that night.Mia looked down at her feet immersed in the refreshing water and watched the water cleanse her. She remembered as a little girl her nanny had always made her wash her feet after playing outdoors even though she always kept her slippers on. It had made her feel refreshed all over and she was able to spend the few hours of her day in the presence of her parents in a calm manner. They were impressed by her demeanor and had spoiled her with luxuries while her siblings fought for their every needs and desire. The only two things her parents could not give her were their love and attention and when she got these from Kris, she didn’t know how to receive them.
Tears strolled down her cheeks at this sudden realization and Mia sat motionless. What had she done? How could she have been so obtuse? She had been seeking the answer to her journey all over the place, out in the ocean, at the bottom of a wine bottle or in the grand shopping complexes. The answer was simple and it had been staring her in the face all her life.
Their last fight had extended over several weeks. Under a full moon three nights ago, Kris had proposed out on her beach. Without answer she had fled and locked herself in her room leaving him confused. They had reconciled and he had promised not to bring up the proposal again as long as they continued to be together. Then at the deli he had broken his promise and after a short argument, he had walked out. She had never seen him this angry before and now remembered the expression of hurt he wore before he left. Mia suddenly realized what if he had simply walked away to cool down and was coming back. It was she who had left him stranded by driving away and he would have to walk back home.
The sun had risen up higher and Mia rushed back to the inn. She had to go back, to find a ride home and to get her life back. She had had enough of the journey and now was ready for her destiny hoping it was not too late.
THE END
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