Seeing Red

A break

Work carried on as usual. Life went on as usual, I decided to take a little trip to Saorge all by myself.

I really needed a change of scenery and clear my head out before doing more stupid shit. I looked at the clock, it was about time to head to the train station.

I got quick Bon Voyage texts from just about everyone who knew and a detailed list of places I should see form Charlotte. I thanked them all and put my phone away.

For these two days, I don't have time for anyone but myself and this little village. The train ride to the village itself was quite scenic, and above all for the first time in a while I had a sincere smile on my face.

The kind that comes straight from your heart, that makes your belly feel all warm and make your eyes go small.

I rented a bicycle, put my little duffel bag in the basket and start peddling through the perched village.

At first I regretted coming here in the dead of winter but as I pedaled through the village, my body felt warmer. The cold air felt bearable, a little harsh but fresh nonetheless.

I reached the little inn and got comfortable, as expected my phone was now useless. I bundled up and headed to the café Charlotte had recommended.

I was surprised by the number of people that were actually here to see the place, I thought I'd be the weird tourist all by myself.

A boy played the guitar for us while we ate and cheered on for him, a couple of girls were kind and invited me to come sit with them.

I learnt from them we were staying in the same inn. We talked for a while and they too briefed me about the places I should see and how to get there.

After a good meal and great company, I was content but exhausted. We headed back to the inn and I hit the hay.

It was too cold for me to go see any places in the morning, so I stayed in and drank hot cocoa and heard the old inn keeper talk about the years he spent exploring places before finally deciding Saorge was the place for him.

My phone rang, it was my dad.

"Hello Pa! How are you doing?"

"The last time I heard from you, you were in Nice and crying."

"How sweet of you." I laughed. "I'm in Saorge now-"

"Tara, why do you keep running to places? Did you quit your job? Are you now a milkmaid in Saorge?"

"I haven't quit anything Pa! I just needed a break so I came here for a few days, I'll be going back to Nice tomorrow."

"Why do you need a break?"

"I don't know, I've just not been feeling great."

"Come back to Singapore, live with us like a princess everything will be good!"

"I can't be your princess forever!"

"No you can!" He insisted.

"I like living here, I do miss you but I like being here."

"Then why the sadness?"

"Something that happened back in Monaco maybe." I sighed. I was not going to talk to my father in excruciating detail about my misadventures.

"Whatever happened in Monaco, forget it. If you can't then sort it out and get ahead!"

"I can't just sort it out! Pa! It's so much harder than that."

"You think way too much or don't think at all. This is what happens because of that." I could imagine him shaking his head in disappointment.

"Well, it was quite a web I got myself tangled in."

"You just enjoy your time, forget everything else. Okay bye." He ended the call.

The sun peaked at us through the clouds, looks like this was about as warm it was going to get today. I cycled through the sleepy town, stopping by places to see and getting something to eat something every now and then.

I walked into the premises of the abandoned monastery, there was something hauntingly beautiful about the place. A group of tourists with a guide offered to let me join them, I thanked them and joined the tour.

The guide spoke with passion about the place, she told us everything she knew and answered every question we had. Just like that an hour flew by, I thanked the group by taking photos for them and headed out.

It was only six but the sky was getting dark again, I was back at the inn. I packed my bags for Nice again.

Someone was playing the piano, it brought back a strange kind of nostalgia. Not for one person or a place, just a memory. It didn't fill me sadness or joy, only a longing.

A/n: early upload! Still trying to figure out what a good schedule would be for the other story. If you have ideas feel free to leave a comment!