the van for so long. Before I know it, I am out like a light.
Nineteen
Breakfast at the hotel is served on a veranda overlooking the harbour below. I dine on fresh figs and yoghurt followed by delicious scrambled eggs. Down below, I watch tourists snaking along the pedestrianised boulevard as they make their way to the beach. Beachfront shops jostle for space, displaying beach towels and lilos for sale in an assortment of bright colours. Cafés are busy with people enjoying leisurely breakfasts before they go about their day.
I had a wonderful sleep last night and feel refreshed and ready to go exploring today. According to the map, there’s a small, secluded cove here, away from the main tourist beach, that Dad told me was his favourite. Today, I intend to climb in the van and go and find it. But first I give Demi a call to see how things are going with her family.
‘Anna, good morning, how are you?’
‘I’m good thanks, Demi, slept like a log. How about you?’
‘Oh I slept well too. Although, maybe sitting up until all hours and sipping ouzo had something to do with that,’ she tells me. ‘It’s still a shock that I’m actually here. Listen, I was going to ring you later. Lia is going to organise a special birthday party for me next Sunday. You must come of course,’ she says excitedly.
A week today.
‘Try and stop me,’ I tell her. ‘I’m already really looking forward to it.’
She tells me Lia has been in touch with all of her extended family this morning and they are organising a huge celebration for her seventieth birthday. I’m so happy for Demi. It seems her family have welcomed her back with open arms.
Finishing our call, I put my phone away and prepare to head off for the beach, stopping at the hotel reception to buy stamps and post the cards.
It’s a beautiful morning, and as I pull the van out of the hotel car park, I feel filled with renewed energy and optimism for the future. Although I’ve enjoyed Demi’s company on this trip, I’m grateful to have some time alone to gather my thoughts. I’ve been thinking more and more about gaining a hairdressing qualification lately. I really enjoy experimenting with styles and colour, even though I’m self-taught (with the help of a couple of dubious YouTube videos). Perhaps if I got professional training, I could open a small salon or rent a chair in a salon somewhere. Thinking about the name of my current hairdresser’s though, I’d definitely have to give the name of the shop some serious thought. I feel so full of energy and inspiration on this trip, that maybe now is the time to put my daydreams into action when I get home.
After twenty minutes of leisurely driving, I find a parking area big enough for the van by the small beach and stare out at the long expanse of golden sand in front of me. There are a few couples strolling along and a family with young children are heading towards the water carrying beach bags with bottles of juice poking out, and maybe food for a picnic inside. I take in big lungfuls of air, my hair gently blowing in the sea breeze as I savour my surroundings with a feeling of complete freedom.
I slip out of the van and head to the quiet, uninhabited cove and sit at the water’s edge and stare out to sea. It makes me happy to think that Dad and his friends sat at this same spot, perhaps with a lit campfire and a few beers, partying until the small hours.
I can’t help thinking how short life is and that we really are only here for the blink of an eye. I owe it to myself to enjoy the rest of my time on earth as tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anyone. I take the small pot of ashes from my bag and stand for a few seconds, staring out to sea and remembering Dad’s life. I was so blessed to have such a happy childhood.
‘Bye, Dad,’ I whisper, as I gently empty the pot into the water and his remains are taken out to sea on the crest of a foamy wave. I hope he can hear me, somewhere in the universe.
I decide to walk further along the beach and go for a swim. I grab my beach bag and head down towards the water’s edge, slipping off my shoes. The soft