Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Help (02/20/06)
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TITLE: Helping Ourselves | Previous Challenge Entry
By Annette Showler
02/26/06 -
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Cases were packed and the petrol tank full. The freezer defrosted, the milk cancelled and the neighbours told they would be away for the week. The holiday would recharge their batteries and give them quality time together. Long hours at work, shopping, cleaning the home and a miniscule social life had taken it`s toll. Nerves had become frayed and tempers too easily lost. They were still very much in love, but life`s pressures were pulling them apart and they were praying that this short break would restore health and harmony.
The weather forecast was right for a change, and with a blue canopy above, broken only by the occasional white cloud, they set off. A discussion about who was going to drive almost burst their bubble but with apologies and promises that “things would be different now” they set off, a lightness in their spirit that had been missing for a long time.
Their journey was unhindered by traffic jams and they made their way to their destination in good time. The bungalow was clean and well equipped, and brochures had been left describing the local area. Instructions on the central heating system, where the bicycles were stored and local telephone numbers were pinned to a door, and after a long cool drink, they made their way down to the beach. It did not disappoint them.
Miles of golden sand and the gentle ebb and flow of the tide ministered immediately to their spirits. “This is just perfect,” she murmured as she laid her head against his chest. “With all this and the week ahead, we are doing all we can to help ourselves, aren`t we”? He nodded in silent agreement and they stood, arms wrapped around each other, lost in the peace and privacy of their own thoughts.
The week ahead would be given over to one another. Mealtimes would be relaxed and actually enjoyed, and the delights of the day would start with a luxurious lie-in, far from the shrill of the enslaving alarm clock. Their most difficult decisions would be whether to swim, sunbathe, cycle or ride and already they could feel the tension of past weeks easing it`s grip. Romantic memories of courting years bubbled under the surface, and thoughts of early nights filled with passion caused them both to smile expectantly.
Seven days later their hopes and dreams hadn`t disappointed them. Relaxed and sun-kissed they had embraced every precious moment and knew that memories of their holiday would sustain through whatever lay ahead. Which is just as well, as during their paradise time away a burglar had forced his way into their home and helped himself to it`s entire contents.
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