Where Life Takes Me

Travelling alone wasn’t going to be easy, but would this eye opening experience be worth it?

- Adele Parks

I’m so sorry!’

Patricia knew what she had to say to her sister. ‘Gosh, I’m the least of your worries. A broken foot. How awful.’

‘But what about the cruise? We’re meant to be leaving at the crack of dawn tomorrow!’

‘Don’t give it another thought,’ said Patricia. It was a miracle the words made their way out of her mouth. She’d been so looking forward to the holiday. It was three years since Patricia had been on holiday. It was three years since she’d done a lot of things – gone to the theatre, poked around an antiques market, had a conversation with someone before breakfast... Even since she’d slept in the same room as another being. Not that she slept well. She slept like a stone being skimmed across a pond. Sinking, then repeatedly rising to consciousness. Edgy, fitful.

When Martin died she had received a number of thoughtful cards, urging her to ‘call any time’, but her friends had their own families and she didn’t want to be a burden. Instead she spent long evenings alone in front of the TV, discussing the dresses on Strictly with her cat. She had hidden. Her sister had become frustrated:‘Three years is a long time. You still have a life.’

Lindsey had booked the cruise as a way of launching Patricia back into life, but now she couldn’t go and Patricia didn’t want to go alone. But… eight days in vibrant Spain, on the glamorous French Riviera and in beautiful Italy had stirred longing in her chest. She stroked her suitcase. Was she brave enough?