Double Drabble: The Journey

[meridian_rose]

A five minute walk to the bus stop where she waits seven minutes. An hour’s ride to the station where there’s a slight delay to her first train.

That train takes her out of the city but not all the way. She changes trains in Devon, the rail journey taking over six hours before she arrives at Hayle.

She’s travelling alone out of necessity, and she’s anxious every minute but she needs this, this place, this restorative experience.

She shoulders her backpack and begins to walk the rest of the way, following the South West Coast Path. It’s one more mile to the beach; after the distance she’s come that’s nothing and yet she cannot wait to reach the shore.

Her heart lifts as she sees the waves glistening in the sun, hears the seagulls cry as they soar across the blue sky. She smells the seaweed and her steps become lighter as she heads for the water.

She drops her backpack into the soft sand, pulls off her shoes and socks.

One step, two step, sea!

She gives a deep sigh as the saltwater washes over her bare feet. She feels at peace for the first time in forever.