Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Chapter Six
The dorm is quiet as I finish packing my bag, the faint rustle of my movements breaking the stillness.
It feels surreal to be leaving already, but I’m so excited, too.
I glance around the room, taking in the unmade beds and scattered belongings of my temporary roommates. It’s funny how people you barely know can feel like family so soon.
Camila is the first to wake, sitting up groggily and rubbing her eyes. It might be the middle of the day, but I’m not surprised that she’s tired given that we didn’t get back until after six a.m.
“Is it time already?” she asks, her voice thick with sleep.
“Yeah,” I nod, zipping up my bag. “Train leaves in a couple of hours.”
She throws the covers back and moves to stand before she hugs me tightly. “I’m going to miss you, you know. Valencia’s lucky to have you.”
“You’ll visit, right?” I say, laughing as she pulls back.
“Of course,” she says, grinning. “After all, someone needs to make sure you’re not working too hard.”
Zoey wakes next, stretching dramatically before sitting up. “So, this is it,” she says, her expression a mix of sadness and admiration. “You’re actually doing it.”
“Yeah,” I say, feeling a pang of emotion. “What about you? Any idea what’s next?”
She shrugs. “Still figuring it out. Maybe Seville - maybe back home. Who knows?”
I hand her my phone, and she types her number in without me even needing to ask.
“Keep me updated,” she says. “And make sure to send photos of Valencia. I’ll be stalking you on instagram and living vicariously through you!”
Ben walks in just as I’m slipping my phone back into my pocket. I’d thought that he was still fast asleep on the top bunk - I hadn’t realised he’d already woken up!
“Leaving so soon, huh?” he says, setting a cup of coffee down on the table.
“Yeah,” I say, smiling fondly. “What about you? When do you leave again?”
“The flight to Australia’s booked for next week,” he says, running a hand through his messy hair. “It’s definitely time to head back and face reality. I’ll miss you, though,” he adds, and as we exchange a quick hug, his usual laid-back demeanor falters just slightly. “Good luck out there, Olivia. I’ve got a feeling you’ll do great.”
∞∞∞
Sofía is at her post when I come down, sorting through a stack of brochures. When she sees me, she breaks into a wide smile.
“Ah, Olivia! Off to Valencia today, yes?”
“Yes,” I say with a nod. “I wanted to say goodbye and thank you for everything. You’ve been amazing.”
“You’re welcome,” she says warmly. “But this isn’t goodbye, okay? We’ll stay in touch.”
I pull out my phone, and we exchange numbers and social media handles. She types quickly, then holds her phone up to show me her screen.
“See? Now you have no excuse not to text me.”
I laugh. “Deal. And you have to visit.”
“I will,” she promises, her smile softening. “Valencia’s not far. I’ll come and see you as soon as I can.”
With a final hug, I leave the hostel, stepping out into the warm afternoon air.
I make it to the grand station in good time. I quickly find my seat on the train once it arrives, stowing my bag overhead before settling in by the window.
The train pulls away and the city of Madrid fades into the distance, and I watch attentively as the scenery changes. I think about the people I’ve met - Sofía, Camila, Zoey, Ben - and the pieces of themselves they’ve shared with me. I think about my mum, too. She’s no doubt worried out of her mind, but cheering me on in her own way at the same time.
The train hums along the tracks, and I let out a deep breath, leaning my head against the window.
This is it. The next chapter of my story and whatever happens I’m proud of me for walking out on my cheating ex and pushing for more. If I’m not happy I’ll just move on, I need to remind myself that I’m in control here, and for the first time in a long time, I’m doing what’s best for me.
∞∞∞
Two hours later, the train slows as we approach Valencia. My excitement has been building with every passing minute, and when the station comes into view, a mix of nerves and anticipation bubbles up inside me.
The train slows to a gentle halt, and the hum of chatter fills the carriage as passengers gather their belongings. I sling my bag over my shoulder and step onto the bustling platform, my eyes adjusting to the bright sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling of the station.
Valencia’s train station is a blend of old-world charm and modern energy, and the warm Mediterranean air greets me the moment I step out. Ornate tiles line parts of the walls, and a giant clock hangs overhead, ticking steadily.