The fire burned brightly in the dark, warming those who sat around it. I moved closer to my love, getting warmth not only from the crackling wood but also from his arm that hugged me closer to him. I felt content sitting here in the dark with him and the others I had come to know in the last few days. The time away from the humdrum routine of work, work, and even more work had done me good in more ways than one. I had come to a decision about what it was I wanted to do – and with whom I wanted to spend my time. The long hikes each day, the whisper of the trees and the music of the insects had helped to calm my mind and set it free from the never-ending thoughts of doubt.
I would go back home and begin to pack up my childhood; say goodbye to the security of my past. I would leave, too, the job that sucked me into long hours in front of the computer with my ear attached to the phone. When I had taken the work on, I began as an idealist wanting to change the world and confident that I could. Years, however, had shown me that lack of money and resources created a never-ending battle against the slide into poverty and despair that so many experienced. Now it was time to be selfish. To care about only me.
I will leave the life I know behind and move forward into the unknown future with a man who has shown me so much. He has given me back my enthusiasm, my zest for life, my desire to take pleasure in the little things. I will move to a new country, experience a new culture, and learn a new language. And I will do so with no regrets for what I leave behind.
I look at the crackling fire and let the conversation of the others wash over me. I snuggle closer to my man. He looks at me with a smile and gives me a gentle kiss. “I love you,” he whispers. And it is that knowledge that makes me strong.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2014
(This post was inspired by Kellie Elmore’s Free Write Friday prompt)
Beautiful. I’m writing this with tears in my eyes.
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Thank you Phylor. After I read your piece on your blog, I felt that connection with yours. It is all about new beginnings, isn’t it? And with starting afresh, hope for the future.
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Very true! I’m searching for my new beginning, but I still have a long way to go!
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This is an eloquent expression of love. Enjoyed it very much.
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Thank you Sue. Thank you for letting me know.
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I can feel the love, Colline 🙂
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Thank you Jo. Exactly what I feel love should feel like.
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Really well done – and that fire is as hypnotic as the real thing!
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Thank you. I love that fire image too. I do not know where Kellie gets her images 🙂
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Fantastic, it’s all so important to follow our dreams, our dreams change as life advances and we must change with them, I wish you strength and good fortune in your “new” life. Maybe it’s our age but we are doing the same, huge change but I’m quite sure it’s the right thing to do. good luck.
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This new new life is a decision that has been made by a character I created. Though I have made decisions in my life – one being to follow my husband to build a life in a new country.
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Oh Colline that’s very brave! Do you mind me asking which country? Do you speak the language? Go for it! We only live once x
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I moved from South Africa, Johannesburg to Canada, Toronto. I speak the same language – though many of the nuances are different.
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Wow that’s impressive, quite a change I’m sure. We’re planning on going to France from the UK and then maybe onto Spain, Italy and Portugal, but we’ll see what transpires, nothing is set in stone. Also we only speak French so Spain/Italy and Portugal could be fun 🙂
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Having visited Portugal and knowing French I can say that signs can be figured out and that the Portuguese are very helpful 🙂
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Well that’s a relief 🙂 I can’t wait to get going!!
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May your journey be full of laughter and sunny skies; may it be filled with dreams and promises met…Best wishes.
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Thank you Charlie. Though in this case it is the journey of my character 🙂
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This writing has real feel in it(gevoelvol) It could be me doing it like that. I did not leave the country but totally changed my lifestyle when I met my soul mate. Sadly it did not last. Now I am out of SA and started a whole new way of living..
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I think many of us do this when we meet someone we truly love. No change seems too big when we have someone by our side who loves and supports us.
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😀
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She sounds very determined. I can see you in her 😉
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She probably is a reflection of me Paula 🙂
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so nice – and it touches upon the art of tough decision making – and the fire photo graphic is cool….
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I cannot take credit for the graphic and it’s hypnotic movement 🙂
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it is hypnotic – and okay – I am off the grid for a few weeks – but I will be checking in later int he summer – have a great one colline –
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You enjoy your summer too Yvette. Rest well and see you when you get back 🙂
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Big decision there! Sometimes, we gotta let go of attachment that are holding us back. We gotta look out for number one. ….. And It’s a way to keep your sanity in check. 🙂
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To let go is sometimes the only way to move forward, isn’t it? Otherwise we would all stagnate in our childhood.
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