18.Breathing again

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"Sometimes, you have to lose yourself in a new place to remember who you are."

The soft morning light spilled through the thin curtains of her hotel room, and for the first time in days, Angelys woke up feeling

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The soft morning light spilled through the thin curtains of her hotel room, and for the first time in days, Angelys woke up feeling... lighter. Athens had a way of soothing her, with its warm air, bustling streets, and the hum of a city both ancient and alive. She stretched lazily in bed, letting the sunlight kiss her face as the scent of fresh coffee wafted up from the café below.

Today, there were no plans, no obligations, no headlines to dodge or feelings to untangle. Just her, the city, and the freedom to wander.

After a quick shower, she slipped into a loose linen dress and sandals, tying her hair back into a low bun. She made her way to the street market in Monastiraki Square, where vibrant stalls spilled over with handmade jewelry, colorful ceramics, and woven textiles.

As she browsed, her fingers brushed over a delicate gold bracelet with a charm in the shape of an olive branch. The vendor smiled at her, gesturing to the bracelet. "Peace," he said in a heavily accented voice. "It's a symbol of peace."

Angelys hesitated, then handed over a few euros and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. Peace—it was what she had come here to find.

The Acropolis called to her next, standing high above the city like a quiet guardian. She climbed the winding path, the uneven stones warm beneath her feet. When she reached the top, the Parthenon rose before her, a symbol of resilience and timelessness. She sat on a nearby rock, looking out at the sprawling city below.

For a while, she simply existed. No distractions, no noise—just the wind brushing her skin and the distant sound of laughter from other visitors. It was here, at the edge of history, that Angelys began to let go of the weight she had been carrying.

Her thoughts wandered back to Franco—not to their fight, but to the good moments. His quiet determination, the way he challenged her without judgment, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. She wondered if he'd been here before, if he'd stood where she was standing now, searching for something real, just as she was.

She spent the afternoon wandering the National Garden, shaded by towering palm trees and surrounded by blooming flowers. Children laughed as they chased pigeons, and an old man played the bouzouki on a nearby bench. Angelys sat down to listen, his music weaving through the air like a gentle reminder that beauty existed in the simplest of moments.

By the time evening fell, the city transformed into a warm glow of lights and music. She found herself at a taverna tucked away in a quiet alley, its tables spilling out onto the cobblestone street. The scent of grilled meat and fresh herbs filled the air as she ordered a plate of souvlaki and a glass of ouzo.

As she ate, the sounds of a bouzouki band floated from inside the taverna. Couples danced in the small space, laughing and twirling, their joy infectious. Angelys smiled to herself, raising her glass to no one in particular.

"To new beginnings," she whispered, the ouzo burning softly down her throat.

For the first time in weeks, she felt a flicker of something she hadn't felt in a long time: hope.

———-

After dinner, Angelys wandered back onto the lively streets of Plaka. The neighborhood was alive with energy, yet peaceful in a way that felt intimate. Lanterns hung between narrow alleyways, casting golden light onto whitewashed buildings adorned with creeping bougainvillea. Street musicians played soft melodies on guitars and violins, their tunes blending seamlessly with the chatter of passing strangers.

Angelys allowed herself to get lost in the maze of streets, her steps unhurried, her thoughts quieter now. She paused at a small artisan shop, drawn in by the delicate paintings of the Greek islands on display. A young artist stood behind the counter, his hands smeared with paint.

"You have an eye for beauty," he said warmly as she admired one of his works—a scene of a sunlit Santorini coastline.

"I'm learning to notice it again," she replied softly, surprising herself with the honesty in her words.

The artist gave her a knowing smile and offered her the painting for half its price. She hesitated but decided to take it, feeling that the bright blues and whites of the image might serve as a reminder when she returned home—a piece of peace to carry with her.

By the time she returned to her hotel, the city had settled into a quieter rhythm. From her balcony, she watched the Acropolis, now illuminated against the dark sky, standing as a beacon of strength and grace. She sipped on a cup of chamomile tea, letting the stillness of the moment seep into her.

Her phone buzzed on the small table beside her, the screen lighting up with Franco's name. She reached for it, hesitating as her thumb hovered over the notification.

It wasn't another message this time—just a photo. She opened it and felt her breath catch.

It was a candid shot of her from a few months ago, taken at a race weekend. She was laughing, caught mid-moment, her hair wild in the wind. Below the photo was a single line:

"This is how I always see you. Free."

Angelys set the phone down, her heart aching in a way that felt bittersweet. She looked back at the Acropolis, then at the painting leaning against the wall. For the first time in a long while, she realized she wasn't running anymore.

Athens had reminded her of the person she wanted to be—not the model the world expected, not the woman trapped by rumors and misunderstandings, but someone who could stand on her own two feet and find beauty in life's small, quiet moments.

And maybe, just maybe, she could carry that strength into whatever awaited her when she returned. Franco's words echoed in her mind as she finally allowed herself to smile.

Free.

She wasn't quite there yet, but she was closer than she had been in years.

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