Until my Last Breath

6

May 2022
Mykonos, Greece.

The sun hangs low in the azure sky as I step out onto the terrace of our villa in Mykonos, the salty breeze tousling my hair. The scent of sun-kissed skin and sea spray fills the air, reminding me that this is exactly what I needed after the whirlwind of the last few months. It's hard to believe that just a few days ago, I was back in Barcelona, unpacking my suitcase . Now, I'm here, surrounded by my friends, enjoying a much-needed getaway.

Today is a boat trip, a chance to escape from responsibilities and soak in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. I'm wearing a white, flowing sundress that dances above my knees, its light fabric perfect for the warm sun. The neckline is adorned with delicate lace, and I can feel the warmth of the sun on my bare shoulders.

"Ree!" Alex calls out, waving me over. "You ready for some fun in the sun?"

"Absolutely." I reply, trying to match her enthusiasm, though I can't shake the weight that seems to linger in my chest, the guilt of coming here.

"Got the sunscreen?" Charles asks, raising an eyebrow. "I know you, you'll forget it and come back looking like a lobster."

I chuckle, rolling my eyes playfully. "I've got it covered. Don't worry about me." I pull the small bottle from my beach bag, showing it to them. "Ready to hit the waves."

We board the sleek boat, and I can't help but admire the stunning views of the coast as we set off. The turquoise waters sparkle under the sun, and I feel a rush of excitement course through me. The engine roars to life, and soon we're gliding over the water, the wind whipping through my hair, laughter ringing in the air.

After what feels like hours of swimming, we finally pull ourselves back onto the boat, breathless and exhilarated. I shake the water from my hair, looking around at the blissful faces of my friends. Pierre sits at the edge, tossing Maverick a treat while Alex and Kika talk about their plans for the evening.

"I can't believe we're finally here," Alex says, grinning. "This is just what we needed."

"Agreed," I reply, feeling a warmth inside. "It's nice to just relax and not think about racing for a bit."

As the sun beats down on the deck, I lean back into the plush cushions of the boat, soaking in the warmth of the Greek sun. My skin is already kissed by the day's earlier swim, a light bronze deepening with each passing hour. Alex's voice draws my attention as she lounges beside me, shades perched on the bridge of her nose as she recounts, yet again, the story of how she and Charles first met. It's one we've all heard before, but something about the way she tells it always makes it sound like the first time.

The conversation soon shifts, and before I know it, we're crowded around Kika's phone, scrolling through tinder, making me plop back down on my sun bed, rolling my eyes. They've been on a mission to find me a boyfriend all week, even though they know damn well I'm not going on any dates.

As the sun begins to set, casting a stunning golden hue over the ocean, we gather on the boat's deck. The gentle sway of the water beneath us adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The colors of the sky deepen into shades of pink and orange, blending into the sparkling waters below. I take a deep breath, letting the salty breeze wash over me.

After a while, the chatter starts to die down as the sun dips below the horizon, and we all agree it's time to head back to the Villa to get ready for dinner. The day has been filled with laughter, but my mind is already beginning to wander back to reality.

Back in my room, I take a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the salt from the sea and the slight tension in my muscles. The bathroom is sleek, all white marble and glass, with just enough room to stretch my arms as I towel off. I take my time, for once enjoying the warmth of the shower, the steamy air filling the space as I linger longer than necessary.