Normally when something sad happens I like to stay home. But not this time. I think I need to try something new. So I’m in the back of a taxi. Driving towards the middle of nowhere.

I have a family cabin away from everything. I had never seen it before. It’s already late enough to see stars. A lot of them. It looks like a little girl spilt an entire bottle of glitter in the sky. When the taxi stoped I payed the diver the required amount and jump out of the car. Everything was dark so i couldn’t get a good look at anything too well.

Until the next morning. I woke up to a warm ray of sunlight spilling in through the window at the top of the walls on the east side. I got a full 10 hours of sleep and it gave me a little push of energy.

I sat up and let the blankets fall off of me. I slipped on some clothes, just some light brown cargo pants and a fitted black shirt, and walked around the cabin. I didn’t have a lot of time to look at the cabin because of how late I got here, but now that it was bright outside, I could take in every detail. Wood floors and walls with a glossy shine. A glass table with white marbled marks covering its surface, and matching chairs with animal pelts as its cover. The faint smell of brand new furniture. But the thing that really caught my eye, was the windows. Not the windows themselves, but the view.

Outside there were thousands of trees. Everywhere you looked you could see tall trees with a faint blue tint to their leaves. The floor was lush with grass, and often you would see a purple flower poking through the thick grass. I shoved myself through the door so I could examine each detail and take it in slowly. The grass was soft and a deep green constantly. No matter where you looked there was green grass, not a speck of grass turned yellow from dehydration or lack of sun. The purple flowers mainly had five or six pedals and were white on the edges of its long and crisp pedals. If you looked hard enough you could find a flower that was not purple but red, or yellow. The red flowers had long stems and the pedals themselves looked like tiny church bells. The yellow ones looked like you cut the sun into three short, wide, pieces.

As for the smell, it smelt like fresh rain. Like right after a storm hits and the smell still lingers. It had a slight tone of pine from all the surrounding trees. The trees were taller then the cabin by what seemed like 15 feet. Each with long, dark, trunks and Pine needles, each as long as one of my fingers.

The sun poured onto my face filling me with a warm felling on the inside and out. It put a slight golden touch on everything making the cold and warm colors balance out in the perfect way.

I soaked in the feeling of freshness and peace. Life had been hard lately. Not getting excepted into the collage of your dreams cuts deep. Especially when you have been working since the 6th grade to keep fighting for your future. But, maybe this break is going to be a good thing. I just have to keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason. And it will work out. I hope.

                                     °°°

I really ✨hate✨ this writing but I told myself that if I never posted and got feedback, I would never get better. So I’m just punching myself in the face and making myself post this. Oh well then.

✨🤍✨please do not judge me. No hate allowed ✨🤍✨

Joel, a weary soul seeking solace and a break from the chaos of everyday life, embarked on a solo holiday to an old countryside villa nestled in a secluded and beautiful place. The villa stood as a timeless refuge, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun.

As Joel settled into the tranquility of his surroundings, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventures that awaited him. Little did he know that his stay at the villa would be far from ordinary.

On his first evening, Joel found himself captivated by the enchanting presence of Minnie, a local woman with a mysterious aura. Their paths crossed as she strolled through the nearby meadow, her laughter mingling with the rustling of leaves.

Intense and romantic, their connection was instantaneous. Joel found himself drawn to Minnie’s magnetic energy, her eyes filled with a depth that mirrored his own longing for something more. They spent their days exploring the countryside together, losing themselves in the beauty of nature and the thrill of discovering hidden gems.

The villa seemed to hold secrets of its own, whispering tales of love and passion from its ancient walls. Joel and Minnie reveled in its sensual charm, indulging in moonlit dances and stolen glances that spoke volumes without a single word.

As the days turned into nights, the bond between Joel and Minnie deepened. They laughed and shared stories, finding solace in each other’s presence. Their connection was not only fun and lighthearted, but also profound, as they uncovered layers of vulnerability and raw emotion within themselves.

But just as the intensity of their love grew, so did the mysteries surrounding Minnie. Whispers of her past floated through the air, leaving Joel intrigued and yearning for answers. He knew he had to confront the secrets that shrouded her, for his heart could no longer bear the weight of uncertainty.

One fateful night, under the glow of a full moon, Joel and Minnie found themselves in a quiet corner of the villa’s garden. The air was charged with anticipation as Joel mustered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting him.

Minnie’s eyes welled up with tears as she revealed the truth. She was a woman who had experienced great loss and heartache, her scars hidden beneath a facade of strength. But in Joel, she had found a kindred spirit, someone who saw beyond her past and embraced her for who she truly was.

Their love, forged through intense emotions and shared experiences, transcended the boundaries of time and space. In that moment, Joel knew that he had found the love he had been searching for—a love that was both thrilling and comforting, mysterious yet familiar.

As their holiday came to an end, Joel and Minnie made a promise to cherish their connection and nurture their love. The memories they created at the old countryside villa would forever be etched in their hearts, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of intense, romantic, and mysterious love.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart filled with love, Joel bid farewell to the villa, knowing that he had found something truly special. As he embarked on his journey back to the bustling world, he carried with him the essence of Minnie and their unforgettable time together—a cherished chapter in his life that would forever be a testament to the beauty and magic of love.

Turnaround ticket became an one way once embodied by the Greek pathway, leading straight to the your doorstep.

She was determined to bring everything into the maison in a single trip, so she shouldered the door in. She lugged a suitcase, both her hands were occupied in a death defying balancing act of groceries and art supplies.

The air had a heaviness to it, stale from a lack of lungs circulating it. It was her late father’s summer home (a secret getaway he used to prefer for extramarital trysts while she and her mother idled in their city walk up.) Now, it was hers. Not that she had ever taken advantage of it before- she had a good job in the city and a busy social life, complete with a long term partner.

Had* is the key word there. She left him the prior weekend and quit her job. Now, the world was so wide open, too wide open; it made her want to retreat here and shutter the windows. She could dig into herself here, she could purge heavy sobs from herself here. Maybe she could even connect with her long suppressed creative side here? Thats why she brought the pastels and charcoals.

Sighing, she placed all of her affects on the long oak table. There was dust, but she had cleaning supplies and all the time to clean the place up. The egg shell white of the walls seemed tepid, the fixtures rusty.

This wouldn’t be a holiday so much as an awakening, or so she hoped. Previous to this week she had herself fooled that she was happy, on the right life path. Why had she gone on so long deluding herself? The only thing left to do now was follow the breadcrumbs back to herself.

She would paint, rebrand, rebuild.

I boarded the plane early this morning by myself and very nervous. I’m used to planes, but not by myself. Yesterday, I turned twenty and my present from mom was a plane ticket I’ve been begging her for since I was six. I needed this now more than ever. I took my seat in coach and waited for takeoff to begin. As soon as it did I connected my headphones to the screen ahead of me and put my playlist on repeat as I fell asleep. I woke an hour before the plane landed in Italy. I got off the plane, made it through customs, and finally got ready to head to the air b&b I booked yesterday. I called a taxi to take me and pretty soon, I arrived at the most beautiful place on earth. My jaw dropped. There was beautiful pink and red flowers vining down in front of the house with tan walls and a brown roof and pillars. There was a fountain in the front with the clearest water ever and magnificent pink Water Lily’s in the fountain. It must’ve shot the water at lest fifteen feet high. I payed and thanked the driver and waited for myself to catch my breath. I practically ran inside to unpack, as I would be there for a month. I grabbed a book and walked around. It was beautiful inside of the house and I soon stumbled upon the door that lead to the backyard. It was so beautiful I was at a complete loss for words. The sun was now setting and it reflected off the pool in front of hundreds of rows of grape vines. I ran back to the room I chose, slipped out of all my clothes, and threw them into a hamper. I put on my favorite bikini, found my camera, grabbed a towel, and sped back to the door that would lead to a new world. I descended the stairs, book, towel, and camera in hand with my bathing suit falling at the top. I got to the pool and took the most breathtaking picture I’ve ever. I hadn’t even noticed the man in the back planting seeds near the grapevines. I was putting my hair into a bun atop my head, when I looked up I noticed the man and screamed “Who are you?! Why are you here?!” He shot back “Sorry!” Putting a hand on his eyes, “I work here during the summer, did Antonio not tell you?!” At this point he looked almost as mortified as me! Why are you covering your eyes?” I questioned. “Well your, your ummm. Well, your bathing suit is, it’s falling in the front. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” I looked at him and scoffed, I looked down at myself thinking he was stupid, but sure enough, he was right! I quickly adjusted it and screamed “Sorry!” Trying to apologize. “Oh it’s fine, unless it’s not to you! Sorry, There isn’t really lots of pretty girls I’m not used to talking to here.” I felt my cheeks turn red. “That’s very sweet of you, would you like to join me by the pool?” I asked, hoping he would say yes. “I wish, I have to get going, I live on the other side of town.” “Well, would you like to stay in one of the rooms here tonight? There’s lots of extras, it’s the least I could do, this place is amazing! I’m sure most of that’s thanks to you!” Now he was the one blushing. “I really sho-“ he started frowning. “Please, I’m gonna need help figuring out what to eat anyway, I didn’t expect this place to already have food.” “I guess I could stay, just for tonight anyway.” I felt my cheeks redden. “Do you have anything to wear to sleep tonight, or would you wear that?” “Oh, I have some extra clothes in my truck.” “Perfect, do you want to stay by the pool for now? Or do you want me to get started on dinner?” “If you want to stay by the pool I will, I can help you with dinner in a minute. Actually, I have a bathing suit in the back of my truck. If you wanna stay by the pool, I’ll be back soon.” “Ok, that’s fine.” I waited by the pool for tenish minutes when I heard footsteps coming from, above me? I looked up to see that there was a whole other story! But that still didn’t explain the footsteps? All of the sudden, the man came flying from the second story landing right in the pool! “OH MY GOD!” I screamed as loud as possible! I cursed aloud after a minute or so of him not swimming to the surface. I dove into the deep end, eyes open, looking, searching for him. After about thirty seconds I swam to the surface, terrified of the unimaginable. But then, he stood at the shallow end of the pool. I noticed right then, the perfectly round muscles on his perfectly toned arms, the tantalizing abs under his chest, the blue swim trunks with ducks on them, ducks? It was hot anyway. “Oh, my, god.” I said accidentally out loud. “Oh god did that really just come out of my mouth?” “Yeah” he said as he walked toward me, I was paralyzed. I started to sink, his face turned to panic as he dove after me. I was splashing until he grabbed my waist and pulled me onto the side of the pool, I wasn’t expecting that to be so easy for him. I think I was for a second unconscious. He now hovered over me, preforming mouth to mouth till I woke. When I did he sighed in relief. I drew a long breath, grabbed his face, pulled him in and kissed him. “Wow.” I said audibly “What should we have for dinner?” He said, breaking the awkward silence afterward. “Whatever you want.”

It was beautiful.

There was a strong tree in the yard, with a rickety old swing tied to its branches. It was too fragile to actually be used, but Sam liked to imagine that it had been used before. That it had been the centerpiece of shrieking laughter and childish whispers. He could imagine the exuberant smiles, warm with the sun.

There would be popsicles eaten on the porch, leaving sticky fingers and leaving mouths stained blue. Tender care as someone wiped the juice away from their skin despite any fussing.

Innocent.

Sam sighed, pushing himself up from his spot on the front porch chair as slowly as he liked. There was no one to look at hummed pityingly out here- not when the closest house was miles away. He could take his time standing up without thinking about the looks his burn covered skin would garner.

They weren’t decorative, the skin too tight around his waist and cheek- making it hard to move or smile without cracking open the skin like wet paper.

But it was quiet here, and the cool air of the afternoon seems to soothe the burns like no aointment or cream prescribed could.

The fragile swing swung in the breeze, but it did not break.

Sam didn’t touch it, letting it sit as it was.

It didn’t fall.

Forgive me for the pain I have caused I’m sorry I reacted that way I’m sorry I left I need you to forgive me, I need you. I’m in love with you.

After months of negotiations, airing dirty laundry, and conceding more than she’d hope, Angela was finally free. Divorce was never a path she saw for herself, but then again, does anyone?

She took some of her settlement money and jetted off to a small villa in the country. The goal was relaxing solitude. The excursion was her mom’s idea - a palate cleanser.

She stepped out of the cab and closed her eyes to take a deep breath of the fresh air. She exhaled the thoughts that had plagued her on the journey here. This was a time to regroup and leave the rest behind.

The air was sweet with the smell of recent light spring rains. The ground was covered in a mix of grass and clovers, wildflowers dotting the hills around her.

Her mom was right - these next two weeks were exactly what she needed, and she was ready.

Clara looked at the old countryside villa from the window of the taxi van that had picked her up from the airport and had transported her an hour to this secluded place.

She supposed most people might see an idyllic and charming vacation home. She saw ivy climbing up the sides of the house. She saw flowers growing around the house and in the extensive gardens. She saw pebbled pathways leading up to the house.

‘But,’ Clara thought as the van parked, ‘what if I fall on those pebbles?’

Clara got out of the van and got her bag out of the trunk. She waved goodbye to the driver. She felt a chill come over her as she watched him drive away. She was alone.

As Clara dragged her heavy bag to the door of the house, she wondered, ‘What if I made the wrong decision when I let Mal talk me into this trip? What if this is the worst decision I’ve ever made?”

As Clara walked into the house, all she saw made her feel very concerned. She saw a floor that was warped and uneven, stairs that were too steep, and a second floor full of creaky floorboards. She felt that the entire house was only moments from falling apart.

‘And what if it does?’ Clara wondered. ‘What if I can’t find anyone way out here in the middle of nowhere to fix it?’

Clara wished she had someone to talk to about her concerns, but she was all alone here. She had no cell service in the middle of nowhere. She had been advised that the house phone was broken. She had been advised that she would need to walk five miles to get into town.

‘What if I have an emergency?’ Clara wondered. ‘What if I choke on my dinner? Or sprain my ankle? Or just can’t find something that I need in this big house?’

Clara tried to enjoy her vacation. She tried to remind herself that all of her friends had recommended this and said that she would love it and that it would be the best vacation that she would ever had. But she continued to be plagued by a sense of unease. She continued to see potential threats and dangers everywhere she looked.

Clara kept thinking, ‘What if this was a terrible idea?’

And then, he showed up. He was a stranger with a shabby appearance and a gun. He was banging on the door and demanding to be let in.

Clara felt terrified. She ran to an interior room and locked herself in and hid until long after the banging stopped.

‘What if he was still there?’ Clara wondered, but eventually, she had to come out, and after she felt satisfied that he was gone, she thought, ‘But what if he comes back?’

Clara walked the five miles to town that day to hire a taxi. She hired it to take her back to the villa so that she could pack her bag. Then, she had the taxi take her to the airport. She flew home. She knew that she would never take a vacation alone again and would think twice before listening to Mal’s advice again too.

During my travels, I visited a small village in the countryside. The people seemed a little shocked to have a visitor. I wonder if they don’t get them often. The flowers and mountains were absolutely beautiful and the houses were fascinating and old fashioned - almost like a movie.

旅行の時には、小さな町に訪ねた。村人達はビジター見ろことのがびっくりした！多分余りい来なかったかな。花や山は本当に美しくていた、家屋面白くて、古い式ので。ちょっと映画みたいの！