Summer Stories
1 min
Checking Out
Alison Davis
I travel lightly. It makes sense in the circumstances.
An attendant weighs my bag and smiles at me with Qantas-red lips, as if I've won an award.
‘How long are you away?' she says.
‘Oh, I'm not returning.
‘Bet you're going to miss the Perth summer.'
I shrug.
‘Time for a change,' I say.
‘Well, have a great trip.' She hands me my boarding pass and waves me forward.
I slide the travel documents back into my wallet, trying to ignore the tremor in my hand.
The clinic's concierge has arranged a driver to meet me at the airport and transport me to their facilities. I've purchased the ten-day Chrysalis package. It was expensive, but cost doesn't concern me.
They've promised palm trees and a plunge pool and daily massages. Assured me my room will face the beach. That I'll lie in bed each night, listening to the gentle whoosh of waves rolling onto the shore. I stressed how important that was. Told them the ocean reminds me of childhood holidays camping on the beach.
A chef will prepare meals to my specifications. I've provided them with family recipes: my grandmother's minestrone and my father's famous beef bourguignon. They'll recreate the croque en bouche we served at my wedding.
On day ten, after a breakfast of smashed avocado and feta on sourdough, I'll move from the residential area. I'll leave my personal effects with the concierge. He'll arrange for them to be sent to my son.
Explore the power of words
Select a story
2