The Geography of longing

Chapter5:The Hollow Victory

At dusk, the plane landed at Nice, on the French Riviera.

Elena packed one bag. Her wedding ring lay on the kitchen counter, a final remnant of the life she was leaving behind. She had called Mark's mother and told her she would explain all this, but she thought it unlikely her explanation would be enough.

She’d already shot Luca. I'm back to you. Please come to the garden.

He hadn't replied.

She didn't care. She was coming; she was far off.

The taxi driver let her out at the bottom of the old town. The taxi drove her to the foot of the old town. She walked the narrow streets, each flagstone.

But she didn't care. She was coming, anyway.

The taxi left her at the foot of the old town. She walked alone, echoing footsteps against the ancient stones along the winding streets. The air was scented with lavender and the sea. Somewhere off in the distance, a church bell chimed.

She came out into the garden, and it was empty.

She sat on the bench where she'd first seen Luca, watching the sun sink toward the Mediterranean. The sky was a song of gold and pink, the sea below glittering like liquid fire.

She'd traveled all this way for nothing.

Or perhaps not. Maybe that’s what she wanted. Not Luca, but the realization that she could make a choice.

Able to want something so badly you'll throw everything away for it.

She was just turning to go when she heard footsteps behind her. "Elena."

She turned, and there he stood. Luca was standing in the entrance to the garden, his face lost in shadow. He was in the same linen shirt, the same patient expression. But there was something different in his eye. Something like relief."You came," he said. You told me to come when I was ready." "All set?

She laughed. A laugh of brokenness. " I don't know. I walked away from my fiancé. I boarded a plane. I have traveled all across the world to see you. But do I know if I am ready for it? I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”

Three long steps and he was across the garden. When he reached her, he did not touch her. He just stood there, close enough she could feel the warmth of him.“Ready for what?” he said. Become the person I want to be.

He grinned. It was a sad smile, full of comprehension. “You already are that guy,” he said. But you haven't taken it.“I left him,” she said. I left everything. For a man I hardly know. “For a life beyond my imagination.” Then stay,” he said. “Stay. Let me show you a life that you cannot imagine.

He held out his hand. She stared at it, then at him, then at the sea that lay beyond them.

Elena took his hand. And for the first time she could remember, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.