the fire between us

chapter 36

The next few days passed in a blur of warm weather, laughter, and relaxation. Each morning, we woke up to the soft sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the sun shining brightly as it rose over the horizon. The days were filled with lounging on the beach, sipping cocktails, and soaking in the carefree vibe of our little paradise.

We spent our afternoons exploring the island, wandering through the local markets and discovering hidden beaches. The group was always buzzing with energy, the playful banter never far away, as we enjoyed every moment together. Nora and Marcus seemed more in love than ever, their hands almost always entwined as they walked along the shore, while Martinus and I shared quiet, intimate moments that made everything feel right.

One afternoon, we all rented a small boat and sailed out to a secluded cove, the water a crystal-clear shade of turquoise. We spent hours swimming, diving into the cool ocean, and relaxing under the shade of palm trees. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater and sunscreen, the perfect mix of summer and freedom.

In the evenings, we gathered around bonfires on the beach, the flames crackling as we told stories, laughed, and shared more drinks under the starry sky. The warmth of the fire and the company made it feel like time had slowed down. 

"I love Bali, but I can't wait to get back to Norway," I say, leaning back on the sand, gazing up at the stars. The warmth of the bonfire crackled beside us, but my thoughts were drifting back to home. The others turned toward me, some with a bit of surprise in their eyes.

Nora looked at me, her face soft in the flickering firelight. "I get that," she said, smiling. "These two weeks have been amazing, but I can wait to go home and celebrate Christmas."

Her words made me pause, and I could see everyone else perk up at the mention of the holidays. The idea of crisp winter air, festive decorations, and cozy gatherings with loved ones felt almost distant here in the tropical warmth of Bali, but it stirred something in all of us.

"Christmas," Marcus mused, leaning back with a grin. "Now that's something to look forward to. Snow, family, and way too much food."

Martinus nodded in agreement, looking over at me. "True. It's strange to be thinking about winter when we're here, but Christmas back home... there's nothing quite like it."

- 

The next morning, I'm gently stirred awake by the soft touch of Martinus's lips against my forehead. His voice, low and warm, breaks through the haze of sleep.

"You ready to go home?" he whispers, his breath tickling my skin.

I blink a few times, taking in the early light filtering through the curtains. The sound of the waves outside is still peaceful, but there's a quiet sense of anticipation in the air. I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips as I stretch beneath the sheets.

"Very," I murmur, my voice still thick with sleep.

Martinus grins, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Good. We've got a long journey ahead, but I'm sure it'll be worth it once we're back in Norway."

I sit up slowly, looking around the room one last time. The suitcase at the foot of the bed is already packed, and our clothes from last night are scattered across the floor—a reminder of the whirlwind days we've spent here.

As I stand, Martinus wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close for one more kiss before the day truly begins. "Let's get breakfast and say goodbye to paradise."

We arrive at the airport, and it's surprisingly quiet. The early morning light streams in through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the near-empty terminal. There's a calmness to the place that feels almost surreal after the past two weeks of vibrant days and late nights.