As they stood on their balcony, watching the sun go down over the city, he wrapped his arm around her waist. With a relaxed sigh, she placed her head on his strong shoulder as he gently stroked her side and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Everything felt so perfect, and speechless they stood watching – hoping that this moment could last forever. Neither of them wanted to go home.
Being the organised one out of them, she had already packed her case. But she had done so with a heavy heart. Evenings spent on the balcony, basking in the late sunshine – a glass of wine in her hand and a cigarette in his – would be sorely missed.
Looking up at the Acropolis for last time, they both laughed about their struggle to get up there on the first day. She had nearly slipped several times but the exertion had been worth it. The view of Athens from such a height was more beautiful than they had ever expected. Suntans were well-earnt and a lot of water had been drunk that day.
***
Morning came, and it was time to leave. One last check of the room to make sure they had everything before making their way to the lift. Hand in hand, the way they ended every holiday – as if every time it brought them closer together. For once there was no panic, he had finally learnt that the journeys stressed her out. Even though getting to the airport and arriving at their gate in the perfect amount of time, there was one hitch. Their flight had moved gate, as well as being delayed. Itchy and a little bit tired, they made their way to the new gate. Placing her head on his shoulder, she longed to take a nap – but nervous energy kept her awake.
She smiled watching young children running back and forth around the waiting area. One father almost having to grab his daughter by her dress to get her back with them.
By the time boarding had come, her bitten ankle had become stiff to the point it was difficult to walk. Taking their seats, she automatically put her headphones in, preparing for the flight ahead. Knowing her ears can pop terribly. Placing her head on his shoulder again, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead as she drifted off into light sleep.
She fidgeted the whole journey in the air, her ankle itching no matter which way she placed her legs. She never truly slept, so was still tired when she awoke around the time they touched down. Unfortunately, she also awoke hungry and they were stuck behind another plane, making it impossible to taxi into their terminal. They remained on the tarmac for what felt like forever – hungry making it hard to really judge the time.
***
The holiday bubble was finally burst once they were on the underground to go home. Men, including her own boyfriend, decided to man-spread as far as they possibly could. Meaning she had to stretch her legs in front of her, on top of her bag, to avoid irritating her bites. She fought for arm space against the man next to her.
Welcome home, she thought to herself.
