On and Off the Track

F I F T Y T W O.

'It's just a couple of days, Bronte. I'll be back before you know it.' Charles said, smiling gently. Charles and I had gone to the airport but were parting ways as he was flying to Hungary and I was going back home to Monaco. Even though I knew it was only for a couple of days, I couldn't help but feel teary over leaving him.
'I know, but I can't help feeling a bit sad. Silly, right?' I responded, trying to smile back at him. He reached out and squeezed my hand.
'Not silly at all. I get it. But absence makes the heart grow fonder' he joked as he winked his eye, resulting in a snotty chuckle from me. I wiped away a tear with the cuff of my jumper. I was scared. Scared to leave him after his crash. I was scared I wouldn't be there if it happened again.
'I know, I know,' I nodded, 'I'm just going to miss you' Charles pulled me into his chest, his arm wrapped around my neck as he kissed the top of my head.
'I'll miss you too.' I reluctantly pulled away from the warmth of his hug. I really didn't want to leave him but I knew he had to leave soon. Joris was already waiting on the plane for him.
'Stay safe, okay?' I said, trying but failing awfully at fighting back my tears.
'Always. And you do the same. I'll be back before you know it' with a lingering kiss and a final exchange of glances, he headed towards the plane.

I was home before I knew it, but my heart was still heavy with sadness. On the plane ride back I posted a few photos from the Paris trip.