Out And About

                                    

                                          
LILY
As I slowly open my eyes, the sun's warm rays gently filter through the curtains, telling me another morning and another day has arrived. Before I stretch to sit up, I realise I'm alone. I reach over to where Loick slept last night and find it empty. And cold. Or rather, colder than my side. 
Knowing where he is, I stretch languidly, savouring the soft sheets just for a few moments before pulling them off me. I push to stand, stretching my arms above my head to get my body into gear and begin to carefully pad around to the double doors. 
With a contented sigh, I pull the right door open and am greeted by a rush of fresh, salty air. Even having seen what's in front of me a good few times now, the view still takes my breath away. 
An expanse of turquoise ocean stretching all the way to the horizon, framed by palm trees and a clear blue sky stands in front of me. It's like a postcard.
I step out onto the sun-warmed tiles of the balcony, enjoying the heat as it rushes up my legs, warming me. The soft morning breeze tousles my hair gently. Closing the doors behind me, I head to the loungers knowing this is where Loick will be. 
He's exactly where I expected him to be. Lounging, his legs stretched out in front of him and his phone in his hand.
"Good morning," I say, walking to the lounger beside him to join him. 
"Good morning, Lil. You okay?" I nod yes and take my place on the lounger beside him. I stretch my legs out in front of me and cross my ankles, relaxing. Closing my eyes, I hear the distant crash of the waves below and the cheerful calls of the seabirds, welcoming the morning. 
I can't help but smile. I feel... light. Light a feather for once. Like I could actually forget why I'm here.
"You look happy," Loick sighs. I can hear the content and... relief - I think - in his voice. I am happy. I feel different today. For whatever reason. And it's a welcome change.
I don't do anything other than keep my eyes closed and smile wider in response. It's all he needs to gather my response. 
Being out here in the morning has become our usual routine. I've found him out here for the last few mornings. Enjoying the tranquillity of the early hours and early morning sun before the intense heat takes over. 
Admittedly, I've enjoyed it too. 
I thought too much quiet would cause havoc in my head. It has on the odd occasion and I've had to keep myself busy. And while I keep intending on doing that, this little escape, this little... something has helped. I've wandered in the lanes of my mind but haven't strayed too far. 
I've not allowed myself. Because I'm enjoying myself. 
"So, do you still want to go out today?" Loick asks. 
Today's plans are different. While we've lounged around the pool for the majority of the days we've been here, today won't consist of that. As lovely as it is. 
I wanted to do something different and take advantage of where we are. So, over drinks last night after dinner in the a la carte restaurant, I suggested going out to one of the places mentioned in the cursed welcome meeting.