we might be falling in love - patricio o' ward

vamos a mexico

December 3rd, 2022

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow over the villa as everyone gathered their belongings and prepared to head to their respective homes. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and melancholy, the bittersweet realization that their incredible two weeks together was coming to an end.

Lando and Luisa were the first to depart, their luggage piled high as they exchanged hugs with everyone. "Alright, guys, it's been real," Lando said, his voice tinged with emotion. "But Monaco is calling."

Luisa nodded, wiping a tear from her eye. "We have to do this again next year," she insisted. "Same place, same time."

Charles and Charlotte stepped forward next, their expressions mirroring the sentiment. "We'll be back in Monaco too," Charles said, pulling Pato into a hug. "Don't be a stranger, mate. And Astraea, make sure to bring him with you next time."

Pato smiled, his heart heavy but full. "You got it, Charles."

Isa and Carlos were next, their Spanish accents blending harmoniously as they said their goodbyes. "España awaits," Carlos said with a wink. "But we’re planning the next reunion already."

Isa hugged Astraea tightly. "You better not forget about us," she joked. "Spain’s beautiful in the summer, you know."

Mick and Laila followed, their bags packed and ready for Switzerland. "We'll miss you guys," Mick said, his eyes a little misty. "This was one for the books."

Laila nodded, squeezing Pato's hand. "Don't let another 12 years pass before you two see each other again."

Finally, Daniel and Heidi made their way to the front, ready for their journey back to Australia. "I never thought I'd say this," Daniel began, his voice cracking slightly, "but I'll miss you all like crazy. Let’s make this an annual thing."

Heidi nodded in agreement, her smile warm and genuine. "Australia's always open for a visit too," she added. "Don't forget."

With everyone else on their way, Pato turned to Astraea, his hand intertwined with hers. "Ready for Mexico?" he asked, his voice soft but excited.

Astraea nodded, her eyes sparkling. "I can't wait. It's been too long."

As they made their way to the car, the reality of their departure set in. The villa, once filled with laughter and the chaos of friends, now stood quiet and serene.

In the car, Pato couldn’t help but glance at Astraea, a smile playing on his lips. "You know, my family’s going to flip when they see you. They’ve missed you almost as much as I have."

Astraea chuckled, her nerves mixed with excitement. "I can't wait to see them again. It’s going to be amazing."

The drive to the airport was filled with reminiscing about the past two weeks, their laughter punctuating the memories they’d made. As they boarded the plane to Mexico, Pato leaned in close, his voice filled with promise. "Next year, we’re doing this all over again. Same group, same madness."

Astraea nodded, her heart full. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world."

As Pato and Astraea waited at the airport for their flight to Mexico, the bustling terminal buzzed with activity around them. They found a quiet corner to sit, surrounded by their luggage and the remnants of their shared week with friends. Pato held Astraea's hand, their fingers intertwined as they reflected on the events of the past few days.

"Can you believe how crazy last night was?" Astraea chuckled, shaking her head.

Pato laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Lando jumping from the second floor into the pool? That’s definitely one for the books."