EIGHTY-NINE
As Yalda settled into the cozy whitewashed hotel room in Santorini, Greece, she couldn't help but feel a momentary thrill of excitement. She had just arrived in this picturesque Greek island, and already, the warm Mediterranean sun and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea were captivating her senses.
She hadn't been sure of her decision to come here, not even when she had boarded her flight, but she had reminded herself why she was doing it, she reminded herself why she needed to get away, why she needed to breathe.
Just thinking about everything had her almost breaking down again; tears had pooled in her eyes and her body had trembled so much that the elderly lady besides her had held her hand comfortingly to calm her.
"Is this your first time flying, dear?" She had asked her. "You just need to breathe, you'll be fine, trust me."
She had nodded gratefully and tried to smile, but the tears in her eyes went falling freely as she blinked, and the woman realized at that moment that it wasn't the flying that bothered her. She had offered her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Is this your time visiting Greece?" She had asked her.
She had nodded once more, it was all she could do at the moment.
"Then I hope it heals you in ways you never expected."
And here she was; completely captivated by its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Gazing out at the caldera, she felt like she was an entirely different person living an entirely different life, the only thing that remained of her old self was the immense pain in her heart.
"It's beautiful here, isn't it, Loki?" She spoke quietly as she combed her fingers through his fur gently. "Look at the landscape."
She had spent her first day exploring the narrow alleys of Fira, discovering hidden gems – quaint shops, charming cafes, and secluded viewpoints. The scent of fresh olives and ouzo wafted through the air, enticing her to try the local cuisine. She indulged in delicious dishes, from souvlaki to moussaka, and savored each bite.
The food had been heavenly, it should have distracted her from all that bothered her, yet for some reason, she found herself thinking about the first time Alexander had taken her to Linda's restaurant. The warmth and homelines of the restaurant had her chest feeling so heavy she could hardly breathe.
Nonetheless, she had forced her pain aside and continued to explore. She wandered through the winding streets, stumbled upon a local market filled with colorful souvenirs, handmade crafts, and vibrant flowers, she found herself buying some flowers; something she never did. She found herself smiling even, the vendors were rather hospitable.
"The red ones would look lovely in your hair, Piantí." A man with kind brown eyes had said.
Again, she had never been one to put flowers in her hair, but she took his advice, and she found herself grinning as he showed her her reflection in a mirror.
"Absolutely beautiful." He had said. "Get something for your dog too, a collar perhaps."
And she had done just that.
She had returned to her hotel room feeling ecstatic and relaxed, her mind had been occupied with thoughts of how she had spent the day, but yet, she found herself crying as she stood underneath the shower that evening. Unable to bear the weight in her chest, she had lowered herself to her knees and cried quietly as the warm water rained down on her.
How could she possibly shower without recalling times he'd fucked her against walls in showers? How could she closer her eyes without feeling his touch? Without feeling his hot breaths against her neck?
She had cried until she was breathless, and then she had pulled herself together and left the shower. Knowing she wouldn't be able to stop thinking about him, she decided to go downstairs to the bar; she had never been one to drink during down days, but she couldn't possibly survive without a glass or two.
The luxurious bar perfectly captured the essence of a refined oasis. She was enveloped by an atmosphere of understated elegance on stepping in; sleek lines, rich textures, and warm lighting harmonized in perfect symphony. The walls, adorned with an exquisite collection of Greek and international art, added a layer of cultural sophistication to the space.
Soft jazz melodies, expertly curated to evoke a sense of refined relaxation, floated through the air, blending seamlessly with the gentle hum of conversation. The scent of fine leather and subtle perfumes wafted through the space, further enhancing the bar's luxurious ambiance.
She liked it here; she already feeling relaxed just being here. She settled into a comfortable chair, surrounded by the gentle glow of table lamps The bartender greeted her with a warm, knowing smile! It seemed he was used to having people who looked like they'd been crying stop by. His eyes sparkled with expertise as he asked what she'd be drinking.
She shrugged.
"I don't know; something strong please." She replied quietly.
"Long day?" He asked her.
She nodded once.
"I know just what you need." He said.
She didn't quite think he knew what she needed, nonetheless, she nodded.
"Give me a minute."
A minute had felt like forever as she sat there watching him do his thing, and finally, he set a cocktail down in front of her. She offered him a thankful smile.
"Enjoy." He said.
She wasted no time in taking a lip, it tasted of orange liqueur and lemon juice, she couldn't quite pin the other flavors, but she was certain that just a sip of it steered her thoughts from the depressing ones. She took a longer and more determined sip before setting the glass down to savor the taste.
"Easy with that one, it slaps a bit." A deep voice spoke with underlying hints of a Greek accent just before someone settled down in the seat beside hers.
She inclined her head to face him and she was met with sharp brown eyes belonging to a rather handsome man with equaly sharp features; everything about him screamed rake and luxury.
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