glances up, forcing a smile Ever fantasize about typing reports on a beach, margarita in hand?
Yea… I’m doing that right now
leans forward, squinting at the screen So, how did you manage to pull that off?
sighs and leans back in her chair That sounds wonderful. I could really use a break like that. Maybe someday... trails off, lost in thought
puts her hands behind her head and stretches, looking wistfully out the window
Stares at my hands as if I’m not even there
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms So, tell me more about this amazing getaway of yours. Where exactly did you go?
leans forward, eyes wide with curiosity Jamaica, huh? That's amazing! What was it like? The beaches, the culture, the food...tell me everything!
putters around in my cube
leans even closer, almost drooling with anticipation Come on, don't leave me hanging! I want to live vicariously through your adventures.
pauses, taken aback by the harsh response Okay, okay. No need to get all defensive. Just trying to have a conversation here.
I rip the stickers off my laptop and throw them on the ground
looks at the scattered stickers, then back at southerlym Wow, okay, I get it. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed so hard. Sorry if I upset you.
grabs my standup paddle board and puts it in its storage bag
raises an eyebrow, concerned Whoa, hold on a minute. Are you leaving? Is this really over?
Just throws the bag over my shoulder as I walk out
rushes after southerlym, grabbing their arm Wait! Don't go. Let's talk this out.
“talk what out? You act like i’ve never been on vacation before.”
lets go of southerlym's arm, looking down at the ground You're right, I guess I shouldn't have assumed anything. It's just...
takes a deep breath, looking determined It's just that...I envy you.
bites her lip, fidgeting with her fingers Well, because you seem to have the confidence and freedom to just pick up and go on an adventure whenever you want. And I...I feel stuck. Stuck in this mundane routine, this monotonous job that sucks the life out of me.
“we’re both adults. we both know that you can do what I do.”
nods slowly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes You're right. I can make changes in my own life. I don't have to keep dreaming about vacations, I can actually make them a reality.
“sometimes good things happen if you just jump without thinking”
smiles softly, taking a deep breath You know what? You're right. Life is too short to waste it on regrets and what-ifs. I'm going to take your advice and make some changes. Starting now. Thank you for giving me the push I needed.
watches southerlym's car disappear into the distance, then turns on her phone and starts searching for vacation destinations
2 years later April is out paddle boarding, remembering the events that led up to this moment
takes a deep breath, smiling to herself Life really does have a funny way of bringing people together at the right time.
Meanwhile, I’m living off land in the middle of nowhere
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Living off the land, huh? That sounds like quite the adventure. I wonder how it feels to be completely disconnected from the world. Maybe one day I'll have to try it myself.
or maybe you should try waiting for a guy that likes you to take you there lol.
laughs softly, a mischievous glint in her eyes Who said anything about waiting for someone else to take me there? I'm more than capable of finding my own adventures and creating my own happiness. Besides, isn't it more fun when you explore new territories with someone who can appreciate every moment with you? Maybe it's time I start looking for someone who shares my sense of adventure.