— I’ve had it up to here! — cried Emily, flinging her handbag onto the sofa. — I need the seaside! Lying like a sunbathing walrus all day, then dancing till dawn. Cocktails, music, and not a single thought about work!
Oliver chuckled. He was used to her dramatic outbursts by now. Emily was no ordinary girl—sharp-tongued, witty, sometimes a bit prickly, but always genuine. No games, no pretence—just easy, effortless fun. And best of all, with her, he never had to pretend.
They’d met a few months ago, and ever since, Oliver had felt like he could finally breathe. No awkward silences, no forced small talk—just cosy comfort and the quiet certainty that she was the one he wanted beside him. For good.
— Rough day at the office? — he asked, stepping closer.
— Oh, don’t even start! ‘Emily do this, Emily do that!’ — as if no other name exists. I nearly told the boss where to stick it today. One more syllable, and I’d be job-hunting by teatime.
— Sounds like you need a break, — Oliver grinned. — We could dash off somewhere. Doesn’t have to be the coast.
— And go where? Best I’ll get is a measly day off. What’s the point of a one-day holiday?
— How about the countryside? My gran’s place. The air’s so fresh, you’ll sleep like a log after one stroll. And the scones! Straight out of the oven…
— The countryside? — Emily’s eyes widened. — You’re joking, right? I’ve never set foot in a village.
— Never?
— Well, no. My lot are all city folk. Never even seen a cow outside a milk carton.
— Then you’re in for a treat! You’ve no idea how lovely it is. Riverwalks, a woodburner, bonfires under the stars…
— Oh, Oliver, save the enthusiasm. Honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready to charm any grannies just yet.
— Shame. Mine’s an absolute gem. Pile your plate with scones, pour you mint tea—boom, you’re smitten.
— Well, if scones are involved… — Emily smirked. — Fine. But on one condition—if I hate it, you owe me a whole new wardrobe. Because there’s no way I’ll fit into mine after all those baked goods.
He laughed, while she still couldn’t decide whether to join in or start panicking.
The journey wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. The last few miles had their car rattling down a pothole-riddled lane. Oliver remained unbothered. Emily, however, peered nervously out the window, half-expecting crumbling barns, manure heaps, and geese launching a full-scale assault at the sight of strangers.
But reality surprised her. The village was quaint, well-kept—proper streets, a couple of shops, even paved roads. No cows in sight yet. Instead, barefoot children, women with neat updos, and blokes leaning on garden gates, chatting idly.
Gran met them like she’d been waiting her whole life. Hugged Emily like family, fluttered about, then ushered them to a table groaning under roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, jam-laden scones, and a jug of elderflower cordial.
Emily was gobsmacked. Where was the stern, silent granny of her imaginings? Where was the rustic hardship she’d dreaded since childhood?
Oliver beamed. He’d known it’d be like this all along.
After lunch, he dragged her down to the riverbank—and there it was, pure magic. Crystal-clear water, kids splashing, families picnicking on tartan blankets. No shouting, no rushing. Just laughter, the whisper of the breeze, and the smoky tang of a barbecue.
That night, Emily was out like a light the second her head hit the pillow. Dawn woke her with golden fingers—Gran’s curtains were gauzy, almost sheer. She pulled on a jumper and stepped outside. And froze.
The sky blushed pink as the sun crept over the hills. Distant cows lowed, birds sang, and the air smelled of dew, wild thyme, and freshly cut grass. The whole world seemed to breathe peace. Emily kicked off her slippers and let the dewy blades tickle her bare feet. She stood there, silent. Her soul felt lighter.
— There you are, — came Oliver’s voice behind her.
— I woke up… came outside. It’s so quiet here. So easy. I’ve never felt so calm.
— Like it?
— Love it. Can we come back?
— Absolutely. As often as you’d like.
Emily hugged him tight. Happiness ached in her chest. The seaside could wait. She’d found her peace right here—and she knew she’d return, again and again, to the place that taught her how to breathe.
