Olivia

'Écoute ton cœur, sens la douceur de ton bonheur, vois la leur et n’aie plus peur.' - Listen to your heart, feel the sweetness of your happiness, see the glow and have no fear.

He turned one last time standing in the archway and slowly let his eyes wander around the now empty, spacious Mediterranean kitchen and living room, which was left with only the massive brick fireplace instead of the familiar décor that had made this house a home.

Mental images of every room and corner flashed through his mind as he walked up the stairs to the upper levels.

One last time, he looked out the large, floor-to-ceiling windows into his garden.

So much had changed since he bought the place, he thought, reliving the years and their ups and downs, remembering the time he had spent there.

The house had come fully furnished, but he had kept the furniture to take with him to his new home. Now, this place was bare, abandoned, and lifeless, much like he had felt these past few months. He could barely stand to be there one more instant, but deep down, he knew he had to let go, even though it would be hard.

Taking a deep breath, he thanked the house for all the years he had been happy there, for the good and the bad, for the joy and the pain.

Last night, he had allowed himself to feel everything at once: the memories he had made, the words he had written down in the weeks before. This time, he allowed himself to feel joy, accept his sadness, and let a little hope emerge. He had oscillated between lightheartedness and poignancy, between tears and despair, and wild, exuberant dancing. Everything was somehow connected and part of something greater. It was time to move on. He was off to new shores.

He whispered, “Missed me?” into the emptiness of the deserted house and was sure he heard a soft, familiar voice answer, “Very much so.”

He bowed his head to the inaudible whisper. “It was my honor.” Then he turned and left the room, closing the door with a soft thud.