The days on the island had a rhythm all their own. There was something almost timeless about life there, a steady, unhurried pace that allowed Lisa and Jennie to fully immerse themselves in the present moment. The routines they had established—gathering food, tending the garden, exploring the island—were comforting in their predictability, providing a sense of stability that both women found they needed.
As the weeks turned into months, Lisa began to feel a deeper connection to the island itself. The once-foreign landscape had become familiar, the paths they walked daily now etched into her memory. She could navigate the island with ease, her once city-softened body growing stronger and more resilient with each passing day.
One morning, Lisa woke before dawn, the sky just beginning to lighten with the first hints of sunrise. She lay in bed for a moment, listening to the sound of the waves outside the cabin, the gentle lapping of water against the shore a constant, soothing presence.
Jennie was still asleep, her breathing soft and even in the bed across the room. Lisa watched her for a moment, a smile tugging at her lips. There was something peaceful about Jennie when she slept, her usually alert and focused expression softened by rest. It was a side of Jennie that Lisa had grown to cherish, a reminder of the quiet strength that lay beneath the surface.
Not wanting to wake Jennie, Lisa quietly slipped out of bed and stepped outside. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of salt and earth. She made her way down to the beach, her feet sinking into the cool sand as she walked along the shore.
The sky was a canvas of pastel colours, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. Lisa stood at the water's edge, watching as the first rays of sunlight danced on the surface of the ocean. It was a moment of pure stillness, the world around her waking up in a slow, deliberate way that felt almost sacred.
For the first time in her life, Lisa felt truly at peace. The constant noise of the city, the relentless pressure of her old life—it all seemed so far away now, like a distant memory that no longer had a hold on her. Here, on this island, she had found something she hadn't even realized she was looking for. Herself.
As she stood there, the waves gently lapping at her feet, Lisa found herself thinking about Jennie. Their friendship had grown stronger with each passing day, built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Lisa had never had a friend like Jennie—someone who accepted her for who she was, without expecting anything in return. It was a friendship that had changed Lisa in ways she was only beginning to understand.
But it wasn't just the friendship she felt for Jennie. There was something more, something deeper that had begun to stir in her heart. It was a feeling that scared her, that made her want to pull away and protect herself, but it was also a feeling she couldn't ignore.
Lisa wasn't sure what to do with these feelings, or if she should do anything at all. But as she watched the sunrise, the light slowly spreading across the ocean, she knew one thing for certain: whatever the future held, Jennie would be a part of it.
The sound of footsteps behind her pulled Lisa from her thoughts. She turned to see Jennie walking toward her, her blonde hair tousled from sleep, a soft smile on her lips.
"Morning," Jennie greeted her, her voice warm and gentle.
"Morning," Lisa replied, her own smile growing as Jennie reached her side.
They stood together in silence for a moment, watching the sun continue its ascent. The warmth of the early morning light slowly chased away the coolness of the night, wrapping them in a comforting embrace.
"I couldn't sleep," Lisa admitted after a while, her voice soft.
Jennie nodded, understanding. "I get that. Sometimes the quiet is so... different, it can keep you awake."
Lisa laughed lightly, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's definitely different from what I'm used to."
They continued to stand there, side by side, as the day slowly began to unfold around them. The birds started to sing, their calls filling the air with a sense of life and movement. It was a simple, yet profound moment—one that Lisa found herself wanting to hold on to.
"Jennie," Lisa began hesitantly, her voice quieter now, "can I tell you something?"
Jennie turned to her, her expression open and encouraging. "Of course."
Lisa took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I've been thinking... about what you said. About finding hope, about looking for the light. And... I think I'm starting to get it. I'm starting to see it."
Jennie's smile was soft, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm glad, Lisa. It's a journey, and you're doing great."
Lisa felt a warmth spread through her chest at Jennie's words. "I wouldn't have gotten this far without you."
Jennie reached out, gently touching Lisa's arm. "You're stronger than you think, Lisa. But I'm glad we're on this journey together."
They stood there for a while longer, the silence between them comfortable and filled with a sense of peace. Lisa felt a calm settle over her, a certainty that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they slowly made their way back to the cabin. There was work to be done, and the day ahead promised to be just as full as the ones before it. But as they walked together, Lisa felt a sense of hope and contentment that she hadn't known in a long time.
She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain: whatever it was, she would face it with Jennie by her side.
And for now, that was more than enough.
