The next day arrived, and Josh was all packed and ready, waiting at my place for our departure. Saying my goodbyes to Jess, I noticed the warmth in her eyes, a silent "thank you" conveyed through a smile. With a nod of acknowledgment, I joined Josh for our flight to the enchanting island of Mauritius.
Upon landing at the captivating destination, we swiftly made our way to our rented apartment, unpacking and settling in. Throughout this process, I maintained a guarded silence, choosing not to engage with Josh.
As we settled, Josh, sensing my reserve, prodded, "Aren't you going to ask how this forced trip went?" His casual tone grated against me, and I couldn't help but retort, "Forced trip?"
Josh, with a smug smirk, replied, "No need to get all riled up, Ella. You're not as bad as I thought you were in high school."
His words fueled my frustration, prompting me to leave the apartment in search of food, for both him and myself.
Out and about, seeking sustenance, I encountered a solitary figure—a stunning, ebony-skinned woman—seated alone at the bar. Approaching her, I hoped for guidance on where to find a meal.
"Hi, sorry to interrupt. Do you know where I can find something to eat around here?" I asked, hoping for a helpful response from this enigmatic loca
The solitary figure, Susan, seemed hesitant to engage as she turned her face away from me. Her cryptic behavior puzzled me, and I persisted, asking again, "Sorry, please can I get an answer at least?"
Still averted, Susan replied, "Hi, I'm Susan. I'm sorry, but I don't feel so comfortable holding conversations in public. Are you with someone?"
I assured her that I was alone, wanting to inquire further, but I hesitated. However, Susan gestured towards the direction of the cafeteria. Locating it was not a challenge, and I procured a dish traditional to Mauritius for myself and an additional portion in case Josh wanted some too.
Returning to the apartment, I offered the meal to Josh, who accepted graciously. We savored the food together, the taste of the local cuisine adding a touch of the island's authenticity to our experience.
During our meal, I brought up the encounter with the mysterious girl, Susan, hoping to share my curiosity with Josh. Yet, to my disappointment, he couldn't have shown less interest. Frustrated, I hissed in annoyance and retreated into my room.
Despite my desire for a carefree vacation, the puzzling encounter with Susan continued to weigh on my mind. Her enigmatic behavior tugged at my thoughts, leaving me concerned and unable to shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
I sought solace in conversation, calling my mom and Ellie. Laughter filled the room, infusing a brief moment of relief into my otherwise disconcerted day. After the calls, I decided to take a nap, hoping a short rest might bring clarity to my unsettled mind.
As I settled into my nap, the echoes of Susan's enigmatic presence lingered, leaving me yearning for answers and a sense of resolution to the mysteries surrounding her.