STELLA
The day after tomorrow, the cruise would dock back at the harbour and everything I’d built up to feel like an escape would come to an end. I’d been clinging to the fleeting illusion of freedom this trip had given me, but now, it eas really time to face reality.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a burnt orange glow over the suite as I began packing. The crisp sound of zippers and rustling fabric filled the room, interspersed with the occasional hollow thunk of shoes dropping into my suitcase. My hands moved mechanically, folding clothes and arranging toiletries in neat compartments. The citrusy scent of my moisturizer lingered as I placed it into my bag, its presence grounding me momentarily.
There were still a few things I needed from my old suite. I stared at the list I’
