The Tourists

A second honeymoon in Bali is not living up to expectations.

Ellie sighs as Frank snores beside her. This is supposed to be their second honeymoon.

They arrived in Bali three days ago to spend a relaxing week at the beautiful Villa Agung Resort on Lovina Beach. They hadn’t ventured into the ocean yet, spending each day poolside, sipping cocktails and guest-watching under the frangipani.

Ellie stretches her legs on the snowy wicker sun-bed and inspects her pedicure; that Marie in Melbourne knows her colours. She wiggles her plush pinks and watches the French woman on the other side of the pool. She’s on Tinder again. Ellie knows this, courtesy of a casual stroll around the pool.

The French woman looks up, waves. Ellie looks away, embarrassed to be caught spying. She nudges Frank awake.

‘Don’t look now, but that woman — I said don’t look!’

Frank turns back. ‘What about her?’

‘She waved at me.’

Frank looks puzzled. He waits.

‘Why would she do that?’

‘I dunno. Being friendly?’

‘No. This place promised privacy; that’s what it said on Tripadvisor.’

Frank shakes his head. ‘But all you’ve done since we’ve been here is talk about her.’

‘Yes, but to you not to her. I mean, what sort of wife sits on a dating app all day while her husband is asleep right beside her?’

Frank shuts his eyes, smiles. ‘They’re not married, he’s her brother.’

Frank is snoring. Again.

Ellie reaches for her phone.