When All Is Said And Done

The Final Chapter: All Good Things...

The winter sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the island of Mallorca. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and most importantly, rekindled love. Benny and Frida had seemingly become inseperable once again, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. As the new year approached, they found themselves standing at the edge of a new beginning, ready to embrace whatever came next.

On a particularly crisp morning, Benny and Frida were walking hand-in-hand along the beach, their breath visible in the cold air. The waves gently lapped at the shore, and the sound of seagulls echoed in the distance. Benny glanced over at Frida, her cheeks flushed from the chilly breeze, and couldn't help but smile. He felt more at peace than he had in years.

"So," Frida began, nudging Benny with her shoulder, "have you given any more thought to staying here for a while? I mean, I know you've got commitments back home, but... I can't imagine being here without you now."

Benny squeezed her hand, a grin spreading across his face. "Funny you should mention that. I've actually been thinking about a plan over the last couple of days."

Frida's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh really? Do tell."

"Well," Benny said, stopping in his tracks and turning to face her, "I've been talking to Björn. He's got a friend who needs some help with a project-composing music for a new stage play. It's nothing too intense, but it would keep me busy while we're here. And the best part? I can work remotely in Mallorca. So, if you'll have me... I'd like to stay."

Frida's heart skipped a beat. "You're serious?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

"Completely," Benny replied, pulling her closer. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want to be here with you, Frida. I want to see where this goes, to rediscover us. And this island... it feels like home already. It's nice to take a break from my usual surroundings, you know?"

Frida threw her arms around his neck, laughing with joy. "You have no idea how happy that makes me!" she exclaimed. "We can make this work, Benny. We can have our own little slice of paradise here."

Benny leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. "I was hoping you'd say that," he whispered against her lips.

As they continued their morning walk, they eventually came to the turn in the road heading towards Benny's rental home. Before they turned up the street, Benny turned to Frida, held her arms and once again kissed her. He simply couldn't wait any longer to feel her lips against his own. They felt like home, her embrace was his warmest place.

Their kiss was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat behind them. They turned to see María approaching, a knowing smile on her face. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" she teased, crossing her arms as she watched them.

Frida laughed, pulling away from Benny just enough to face María. "Oh, just planning our future here on the island," she said playfully.

María raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Does that mean Benny's staying?"

Benny nodded, unable to hide his excitement. "Looks like it! I've found a little project to keep me occupied, and Frida's convinced me that there's no better place to be than right here."

María clapped her hands together, beaming with delight. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy for both of you. This island has a way of bringing people together, it seems!"

Frida nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "It really does. And we're so lucky to have you, María."

"Don't get all sappy on me now," María said with a wink and a big smile. "Well, I was just going to stop by because you left your scarf here last night, Benny... But if you're staying, we need to celebrate! Let's do something tonight!"