Echoes of Three Souls

Chapter 9: Fleeting Moments of Peace

Maeve POV

It was Friday night, and I found myself nestled in a warm cocoon on my couch once again enveloped by a sense of bliss that only my weekly ritual could provide. Friday nights were my indulgent escape, a time when I allowed myself the small pleasure of takeout, sinking into the soft blankets with my favorite furry companion by my side. Tonight, my choice was from Zephyr's Kitchen, my beloved Mediterranean restaurant that had quickly become a staple in my life.

As I unpacked the neatly arranged containers, the enticing aroma of freshly made food wafted through the air, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. Nikolas and Maria Papadopoulos, the adorable elderly couple who ran the place, were always a bright spot in my day. Their warm smiles and affectionate banter felt like home, especially when they insisted on giving me my meals for free. I never left without slipping a few bills into their hands, insisting it was the least I could do for their kindness.

Tonight's feast was a delightful spread: fluffy homemade pita bread alongside a generous serving of creamy hummus, a vibrant Greek salad bursting with ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, and a falafel bowl that promised all the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. To top it all off, a hefty piece of tiramisu—an unexpected treat I hadn't ordered—sat nestled among my other delights. I couldn't help but smile; it was as if they always knew just what I needed.

As I settled in, propping myself against plush pillows, I switched on the latest season of The Great British Bake Off. The cheerful music and the sight of smiling bakers instantly eased my anxieties. Watching them create exquisite desserts was a comforting distraction from my own insecurities. I felt slightly pathetic, indulging in this routine on a Friday night in my early twenties while others my age were out partying, laughing, and living it up with friends. Yet, there was something deeply soothing about the solitude I craved—the peace of my own home felt like a sanctuary where I could be completely myself. I was proud of myself too, I had moved away from grandparents, gotten a big job, and rented to apartment all by my lonesome. That was a big feat for me.

As I took my first bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. Wrapped in the warmth of my cocoon, with Archie curled up beside me, I felt safe and content, even if it was just for one night.

Just as I was about to take a bite of the rich tiramisu, my phone started ringing. I picked it up, glancing at the screen, and saw Devin's bright contact photo—a cheerful snapshot of her and me at a summer picnic, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hi Devy!" I answered, a smile creeping onto my face.

"Hey, Evie girl!" she chirped. Oh no, that tone. I knew it all too well. She was up to something, and my stomach twisted with both excitement and dread.

"What are you up to, Dev?" I giggled, trying to mask my apprehension.

"I'm good, Evie, thanks for asking! How about you?" she teased, and the sound of her laughter made me feel lighter, even as my heart raced.

"I know that tone, Dev!" I laughed, though it came out a little more nervous than I intended. "What do you want?"

"Well, James and I were thinking of gathering a few friends for a night out at Boots and Brews. You know, the country bar?" Her voice was bright, almost bouncing through the phone, but I felt a heaviness in my chest.

"Um... Yeah. Dev, you know that's not really my scene," I whispered, anxiety creeping in as I toyed with a loose thread on my blanket.

"I know, I know, Maeve," she replied, her voice softening. "You don't have to come if you're really not comfortable. I won't force you to do anything. It's just that J and I were inviting our friends, and you were the first person I thought of. I think it could be fun! Remember when we went there with some of the gals from work? It was such a nice time! It's always a riot to see a tipsy Maeve!" She laughed, and I felt a blush creeping onto my cheeks.