I Still Remember That Day [Updated]
We’d walked arm in arm as the sun dipped low in the orange sky. It was a perfect late summer evening — the sun still warm on our skin, the soft sand shifting between our toes and the waves rumbling against the shore.
We chatted as we walked along the water’s edge; hours felt like seconds, both engrossed in each other’s stories.
Me — back after two years overseas; stronger, more confident and ready for new adventures.
Her — a free spirit trapped in the glue of a small town, unable to break free and follow her dreams.
God she was beautiful… Her bright blue eyes, her tanned skin, her cheeky impish grin. I’d thought about her so much whilst I’d been away. I’d always taken her for granted, never seen what an amazing piece of my life she could be.
We talked about my plans, about how she should come too… break free from the inertia that gripped her and let her creativity run free out in the wider world.
Looking down at her as we sat on the rocks watching the final sliver of sun slip into the sea, my arms around her hugging her tight, I remember thinking that this could be the start of something special.
I’d been so excited to see him after so long; my heart had raced in my chest on that cool early autumn evening by the sea.
We’d always been inseparable, best friends, nothing more though… I’d been too shy — and him, oblivious.
My joy faded with each soul-sucking step along the sand — where was the boy I’d known? This guy was cocky, full of himself, and worst, condescending…
I’d never moved away from this small town — true, but there’s a particular feeling of home when you can name every person on your street and I’d worked hard to set up my tiny studio brimming full with paintings and prints.
As he droned on, I felt myself shrink, fire burning inside.
I didn’t need to travel to find a purpose.
I didn’t need to move to a bigger town to create something more.
I was happy in this ‘little world’ which I’d worked hard to create and curate.
So we sat, huddled close, as the salty sea swallowed the burning sun and I hugged this stranger tight saying goodbye to the boy I’d once known.
