Heaven is on earth (Loubbie)

33 . Four years later.

"Hey Daph, can you give me my shirt ?"

"Yeah, sure, the black one or the white one ?"

"The white one...please."

"Can I keep the black for when I'll miss you all night ?"

"Sure, as you want, but I'll only be gone for a week, you know..."

"Yeah, I know, but I'm still going to miss you."

Daphne's lips met Lou's in a tender kiss.

"Promise to call me every day and tell me all about your adventures in LA," Daphne said, breaking the kiss but keeping their foreheads touching.

"Yeah, I'll try... Now I'm gonna be late."

"You shouldn't have packed your suitcase five minutes before leaving."

"Yeah, I know that."

**

Lou couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as she stepped into her hotel room and saw the breathtaking view of the ocean. The sight was truly captivating, with the sun setting over the water, painting the sky in a beautiful array of colors. The room was spacious and elegantly decorated, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere.

With a contented sigh, Lou dropped her bags near the door and walked over to the large window, leaning against the frame to take in the view. The rhythmic sound of the ocean was soothing.

She took out her phone and called Daphne, knowing she would love to see the view as well. As the call connected, Lou held up her phone, positioning it so Daphne could see the ocean through the video call.

"Hey, Daph, look at this," Lou said with a smile. "Isn't it incredible?"

Daphne's face lit up as she saw the view on her screen. "Wow, that's stunning!" she exclaimed. "I'm so glad you have such a beautiful view to enjoy during your stay."

****

While she had indeed traveled to LA, it wasn't entirely for work, as she had told Daphne. In truth, she had felt the need for some time alone, a personal retreat to find peace and reconnect with herself. Over the past few months, life had been bustling with commitments, and she craved a moment of solitude to reflect and recharge.

As Lou lay in her bed, her mind couldn't help but wander back to New York. It had been her home for years—the city that once brimmed with excitement and endless possibilities. But lately, it had started to feel like a never-ending loop, a constant cliché she couldn't escape. The same routines, the same nights spent at her club, surrounded by friends always having the sale conversation, and always this feeling of an unshakable sense of emptiness.

Lou felt trapped, and the bustling city that once felt alive now seemed suffocating. The spark that had once ignited her passion had dulled, and she longed for something more, something meaningful. New York, and the life she had now, was her teenager's dream: a club, a lot of money, lots of friends. But she knew now that it was simply boring, this lifestyle wasn't for her anymore. Her life didn't have any meaning.

She gazed up at the hotel room's ceiling, the sound of the ocean outside seemed to echo the turmoil within her. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something, that her life lacked the depth and purpose she craved. And yes, Daphne was a wonderful person—caring, supportive, and deeply in love with her. With Daphne, everything seemed simple and straightforward, but that simplicity came at a cost. Lou couldn't deny that she didn't love Daphne the way Daphne loved her. Guilt gnawed at her heart as she grappled with these emotions. Being with Daphne brought a sense of comfort, like a safe harbor in the storm of her emotions. But even in Daphne's arms, Lou couldn't momentarily forget the emptiness that had plagued her. But she knew she made Daphne happy, and it brought her a sense of relief, knowing she was useful in a way.